The recently concluded National Heads-Up Poker Championship confirms that women poker players are making waves in this industry. While Annie Duke’s win in the 2010 National Heads-Up Poker Championship is the record for the first female to win this annual event, another young lady is following her footsteps.
Annette Obrestad is a favorite and she did not frustrate those rooting for her, as she was able to play on the third round of this year’s Heads-Up games.
However, as fondly said, Annie Duke, her predecessor is not done yet. Annie Duke brought home the first prize money worth $500,000 for this record win.
Another name that spells how women can hit the poker tables and win is GoDaddy spokesperson, Vanessa Rousso.
While Vanessa Rousso did not make it to the last stretch of the games, the fact that she can face the poker biggies such as Phil Ivey, Joe Cada, Peter Eastgate, Scotty Nguyen, Chris Moneymaker and several other big names on the poker table will surely make women proud.
On the other hand, Annie Duke used to be known as Howard Lederer’s sister but made a name for herself when she won the 10-player 2004 WSOP Tournament of Champions.
While Annie Duke is not so active on the felt these past few years, she came back in the 2010 National Heads-Up Poker Championship with a bang.
Before this, many people are rooting at Annette Obrestad to make is in this year’s tournament, coming from being the youngest female poker player to win in the World Series of Poker Europe in 2007, she sure has a promising poker playing career. Surely, the next tournaments will be graced by more women; this win by Annie Duke in a male dominated tournament is such a big step for them.
You may be wondering how women are doing in the poker table? Statistics confirm that while many women player are now active in playing poker in tournaments, the percentage remain that only about 3 to 5 percent of the field are women. Thus, while they are making good in their quest for recognition in the game of poker, it is still necessary for the percentage to grow.
If this happens, they will be added to the list of successful poker players such as the following:
• Jennifer Harman, 2-time WSOP bracelet winner
• Vicky Coren, British writer and poker professional. She is also the European Poker Tour winner in 2006
• Jennifer Tilly, a movie star and poker professional with WSOP bracelet to boost.
• Van Nguyen also known as Mrs. Master, wife of Men Nguyen and 2008 WPT Celebrity Invitational 1st place winner.
• Kara Scott, Television Host and poker professional
• Evelyn Ng, 2003 ladies Night World Poker Tour second placer
The list of female poker professional is long but seldom do you hear their names in high profile tournaments. However, we are sure that in the near future, Vanessa Rousso, Annie Duke and Annette Obrestad will always be around present giving some men a run for their money.
Surely, the 2010 National Heads-Up Poker Championship win of Annie Duke marks the shining moment for women in Poker.
