The WPF Ladies Weekend 2025 – organized and executed by the World Poker Federation and its Women's Committee – etched its name into poker's storied history as the first-ever women's poker event held simultaneously across multiple countries. From Brazil to The Philippines, women across nine countries and fifteen cities came together to compete and celebrate their shared passion for poker.
The WPF Ladies Weekend drew 1,500 players and 2,200 tournament entries across the globe – strongly reinforcing the growing presence of women in poker.
Faces and places of the WPF Ladies Weekend
With multiple locations taking part in the WPF Ladies Weekend, the turnout numbers across each stop were impressive. In the United States, the combined stops drew nearly 700 women to the tables while in Brazil more than 500 women came together to generate over 900 entries and double the tournament guarantee. In Belgium, nearly 300 entries were recorded and in Taiwan another 120 contributed to the overall success of the event.
Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, and South Africa drew crowds as well, all allied in common purpose. The WPF Ladies Weekend also brought notable names like Japan's Shiina Okamoto, Brazil's Lauriê 'Lali' Tournier, and the United States' Kasey Lyn Mills to the tables.
In addition to the competition on the felt, several WPF Ladies Weekend stops hosted panels, workshops, and initiatives centered on leadership, education, and inclusion. In Colombia, a panel of players, organizers, and industry professionals was convened to discuss women's representation in poker.
WPF Women's Committee doubles down on its mission
The WPF Women's Committee came together to promote inclusion and leadership for women in poker while also building long-term pathways for their further growth in the game. Its purpose remains the same: to transform the poker industry through the rise of women, creating space for new players, professionals, and leaders to emerge.
The Ladies Weekend 2025 represents the Committee's first globally-organized initiative and was purposefully designed to connect women across the globe.
“The Ladies Weekend proved what collaboration can create,” said Luana Borges, President of the WPF Women’s Committee. “It showed that women’s presence strengthens the game, builds community, and opens new opportunities for the entire industry.”
In the wake of its successful first edition, the WPF Women's Committee hopes to expand the Ladies Weekend in 2026 – with more countries, more stops, and a potential Grand Final event that would bring together champions from all corners of the globe.
Additional image courtesy of Manuel Kovsca/Rational Holdings Limited
