The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event is the pinnacle of poker, attracting thousands of players from around the globe, all vying for the ultimate prize: the title of world champion and millions of dollars in winnings.
Since its inception in 1970, the WSOP Main Event final table has been dominated by men. Despite the growing presence and success of women in poker, no female player has ever made it to the final table of this prestigious event since 1995, when Barbara Enright finished in fifth. The question is, why?
The Poker Gender Gap: Numbers Don’t Lie
One of the most common explanations for the absence of women at the WSOP Main Event final table is simply a numbers game. The vast majority of players who enter the tournament are men, with women making up less than 5% of the total field. Statistically, this means the odds of a woman making it to the final table are slim.
But is it just about numbers? The poker world has long been a male-dominated space, and while that is slowly changing, it’s hard to ignore the cultural factors at play. The poker industry, from its media portrayal to the environment at live events, has often been seen as unwelcoming or even hostile to women. Despite efforts to improve inclusivity, many female players still face a unique set of challenges, from underrepresentation to overt sexism.
Skill vs. Perception: The Misconception of Female Players
There’s no question that the women who compete in the WSOP Main Event are just as skilled as their male counterparts. Players like Vanessa Selbst and Liv Boeree have proven themselves time and time again in high-stakes tournaments around the world. However, in poker—a game where mental warfare and perception are key—women often face an uphill battle when it comes to how they’re viewed by opponents.
Some argue that female players are frequently underestimated at the table, which can work to their advantage, but it can also lead to unfair treatment or targeted aggression from male players. This dynamic can create additional mental hurdles, forcing women to play not only against their opponents but also against entrenched biases.
2024 WSOP Main Event: The Near Misses
The 2024 WSOP Main Event saw several women on the cusp of breaking the final table barrier.
Among them was Kristen Foxen, a formidable player who had consistently performed well throughout the tournament. Her deep run ended just short of the final table, finishing at 13th place for $600,000. Similarly, Shundan Xiao battled through the field but ultimately fell short in the crucial late stages, busting out at 28th place for $300,000.
Their near-miss stories echo those of women who came close but never reached the coveted final table.
Is the Final Table Curse Real?
For many, the continued absence of women from the final table of the WSOP Main Event feels like a curse. Year after year, talented female players come close, but the elusive final table spot remains just out of reach.
While there is no evidence of any deliberate exclusion, the question of why no woman has yet broken through remains unanswered. It is clear that women in poker are just as capable and competitive as their male counterparts, yet the final table remains a boys' club.
Debunking the Myth: Are Women Too Emotional for Poker?
One common stereotype used to explain the absence of women at the WSOP Main Event final table is that women are "more emotional" than men, and therefore less suited for the high-pressure environment of poker. However, this notion is outdated and unfounded.
Poker is a game that demands emotional control, strategic thinking, and mental toughness—qualities that have been exemplified by top female players like Vanessa Selbst and Kristen Foxen. In fact, emotional intelligence can be a powerful asset in poker, aiding in reading opponents and managing the stresses of a long tournament.
The idea that women are too emotional for poker is not only inaccurate but also perpetuates gender biases that likely contribute more to the underrepresentation of women at the final table than any difference in emotional tendencies.
Female players have consistently proven that they can compete at the highest levels with the same resilience as their male counterparts.
A Glimmer of Hope for the Future
The near misses of 2024 show that a breakthrough is inevitable. Women like Foxen and Xiao have demonstrated that the gap is narrowing. The poker landscape is evolving, with more women entering the game and performing at the highest levels. Major poker tours are also making efforts to promote inclusivity, and initiatives like the Women's Poker Association continue to empower and encourage female participation in the game.
The poker world eagerly awaits the day when a woman finally takes her seat at the WSOP Main Event final table. The question is not if, but when. Will 2025 be the year that this milestone is finally achieved, or will the poker world continue to wait?
Conclusion: A Call for Change
The WSOP Main Event’s final table has remained male-only for far too long. While many factors contribute to this, including the low percentage of female participants and the inherent biases in poker, the talent is undoubtedly there. Female players have proven they can compete at the highest levels. The poker world needs to continue pushing for inclusivity and providing more opportunities for women to shine.
Until then, we can only hope that the 2024 near misses inspire more women to enter the game, ensuring that the final table curse is broken in the near future.
