It’s been said a million times: Poker is a male-dominated game. The women have always been there, just in small numbers, but those numbers have been growing significantly in the past decade.

With more representation of the female persuasion at the tables, it’s even more important to see more women in the overall industry. That includes podcasts. There have been women in the poker podcast world – more of late – but the newest addition to the lineup puts three women in the studio.

The Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas is comprised of three friends – Lupe Soto, Rebbecca Scales, and Tatiana Fox. All three women have extensive backgrounds in poker, and they are all friends off the felt as well. During the 2023 World Series of Poker, the trio put their latest initiative into motion by launching the podcast.

It’s women of poker, talking about poker to women in poker (and sometimes veering into the larger gambling industry), and focusing on issues that affect women. What a novel concept!

Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas

Who Are the Real Poker Girls?

Few women in poker are unfamiliar with Lupe Soto. She has been playing poker the longest of the trio, starting in the mid-1990s. Her focus for much of that time, aside from winning at poker, has been to welcome more women into the game, create places wherein women feel comfortable taking a seat and joining the community.

The few who don’t know Soto are likely acquainted with her many initiatives. She either launched or was an integral part of the launch of Poker Chix, LIPS (Ladies International Poker Series), Senior Poker Tour, and the Women in Poker Hall of Fame, not to mention the Women’s Poker Association.

Tatiana Fox is a woman of many talents, most prominently as a director and producer of award-winning television shows in Australia. She even launched the Horse and Country (H&C) channel in her home country and worked as a journalist for ABC Online in Sydney. In poker, she has been a player for years, as well as an advocate for women in the game, and now splits her time between Las Vegas and Melbourne to pursue her range of passions.

Rebbecca Scales has a background in marketing and worked in the casino industry for years before moving into poker. Her grandmother taught her how to play Stud poker, but it wasn’t until she worked as a lead account executive for Caesars Entertainment that she considered being more than a casual, recreational player.

Her role at Caesars included marketing for conventions, and the World Series of Poker was one of them. As Scales went about her work, she because curious as about the lack of marketing toward women.

“That sent me down this rabbit hole that led me to Lupe, who rans LIPS, to find out more,” she said.” I started the Pocket Queen clothing line but discovered how thin the market was. So, when Lupe asked me to be a part of the Women’s Poker Association (WPA), which was just starting and focused on women in poker, I gladly took a position on the WPA Board.”

That involvement in poker led her to other opportunities, such as becoming an instructor for Poker Power. And just this year, Scales started a position with the World Poker Tour as Global Tour Manager for international events.

Amidst traveling internationally for the WPT and domestically for Poker Power, Scales is a woman with a broad range of experiences in the poker world.

Partnering for a Podcast

Scales and Soto both lived in Vegas, and their poker friendship blossomed through their mutual love for poker and their efforts within the community.

While both women were friends with Fox, it wasn’t until the global pandemic lockdown that Scales and Fox became better acquainted. Fox happened to be in Las Vegas when travel halted, and she was unable to return to Australia indefinitely. She moved in with Scales on what was to be a very temporary basis until she could schedule a flight home, and that turned into an extended stay and a closer friendship with Scales and Soto.

During the lockdown, Scales began talking to Fox about an idea that she and Soto had already discussed: a way to involve women in poker conversations on a larger level. The original goal was to do it via the WPA as a sort of roundtable discussion forum, but discussions brought it around to a podcast, mostly due to Fox’s production experience. With Scales’ connections at Caesars, the three women secured studio space and began to put their ideas together.

The Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas happened.

Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas

“We’re all really close, so our chemistry is really good,” Scales said. “We wanted something that brought a woman’s perspective to poker discussions. … For most women to go play a poker game or tournament, it’s a much difference experience from most that of most men. We bring motherhood into the picture, and it’s an integral part of who we are and our relationship to poker.”

Monthly Podcasts

The introductory episode of the Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas appeared in July 2023. It was a chance for listeners to get to know the trio of women, as well as to hear their thoughts on the WSOP and a variety of topics regarding poker tournaments in Melbourne and Vegas, women in poker, and their love of mixed games.

Several cyber attacks occurred in Las Vegas, one of which targeted Ladies International Poker Series – LIPS. You can listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast service. @tatianafoxlv @PokerQueenLV @PokerLupe pic.twitter.com/D1n7f6MDPD

— therealpokergirlsoflasvegas (@RPGOLV) October 23, 2023

They released the second episode in mid-October with special guest Jeanne David, who discussed her many years working for PokerStars as well as her time as a staple in the poker community and the growth of mixed games.

Here’s @RPGOLV Series 1 Episode 2!@PokerQueenLV, @tatianafoxlv & @PokerLupe discuss the Vegas cyber hacks and then talk with @jeanriders about her time at @PokerStars, the HORSE league, spreading mixed game love & much more.

Listen: https://t.co/VlhvcXwh8H#pokerlife #podlife

— Chad McVean (@Veaner85) October 17, 2023

Episode 3 is due out later this month and will feature Poker Gives Executive Director Barbara Jones Zangaro. She will discuss her dedication to helping unhoused people in Las Vegas and her dedication to a variety of charitable endeavors.

Future episode release dates and guests have yet to be announced but will be listed on the Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas website as information becomes available. Anyone interested can sign up on the website for the mailing list to receive updates. And there is also a YouTube channel to grow with the podcast.

The fall months have arrived, and contrary to the temperatures of autumn, the poker season heats up. Players are done with vacations and holidays, and they’re trying to plan their post-summer schedules. As usual and par for the course for many players, the schedule will include the 2023 autumn Malta Poker Festival (MPF).

Unibet is the primary sponsor of the MPF, specifically the Unibet DeepStack Open. The long-running UDSO (14 seasons and counting) sponsored the spring festival in Malta as well, and that one delivered 1,226 entries and a €586,760 prize pool, well beyond the €300K guarantee.

This autumn edition will offer a massive €500K guarantee on the MPF Grand Main Event powered by UDSO. Other tournaments have buy-ins that are in the €100 to €200 range, making it ideal for mid-stakes players.

MPF Founder and Event Director Ivonne Montealegre told Cardplayer Lifestyle, “The tournaments have great variety, fantastic structures, and, whenever possible, very lengthy blind levels. It’s luxurious poker at a low price point. Every tournament is important and beautiful in the house of poker in Malta, Portomaso Casino.”

Montealegre will be running the tournaments, alongside Ylva Thorsrud hosting the Ladies First women-only tournament on October 28 and Paul Rinty Monaghan hosting the seniors-only event on October 29. And poker pro Jon Kyle will be in attendance representing Betsafe.

Malta Poker Festival Dates and Schedule

The official tournament series will run October 24 through October 30, but the opening satellite kicks off on the evening of Monday, October 23. It will be a comfortable €60 buy-in qualifier for the Malta Poker Festival Main Event, the first flight for which takes place the next day.

For those up late winning those seats, there is no rush to enter the MPF Grand Event, as it will offer seven starting flights through October 29. And those who may miss the opening satellite on the 24th can participate in other satties running through the 27th.

Malta Poker Festival - autumn 2023

There are numerous events on the schedule besides the MPF Grand, and those offerings are as follows:

The Amateur Poker Association & Tour (APAT) hosts its Maltese Championship amidst the MPF with the lowest event buy-in of the series. And the Hendon Mob Championship is also a part of series.

Note that there is also a satellite to the WPT Prime Championship tournament at Wynn Las Vegas. The World Poker Tour series will take place in December, but players can compete in a satellite on Oct 26, during the Malta Poker Festival, in a €110 buy-in satellite to win a prize package.

A downloadable schedule is available on the MPF website, complete with information about reentries, fees, start times, and structures.

Malta Poker Festival Location

The home for the Malta Poker Festival, exclusively, is Portomaso Casino, just off St. Julian’s Bay. The modern casino is open to non-Maltese citizens 18 and older, while Maltese citizens must be at least 25 years old to play.

There are regular cash games, as well as daily tournaments with guarantees on the prize pools.

Why Play at the Malta Poker Festival?

The Malta Poker Festival is often a bucket list item for poker players, not only because of its reputation as one of the best-run tournament series on the poker calendar but because of its location. It’s Malta… after the official tournament season but still offering beautiful weather.

Poker pros will be there, trekking in from around the world. Are you going to be one of them?

It may not be official. There is no press release. But the World Poker Tour’s new app is available as a website or an app for iOS and Android.

WatchWPT is a way for WPT Enterprises to bring the World Poker Tour to poker fans at their convenience. Making it an app allows it to fit into the busiest of lifestyles, but its availability as a website (worldpokertour.tv) gives viewers even more options.

The new and improved #WatchWPT app is here — and IT'S FREE!📲🎉

Dive into our extensive library of past livestreams, TV Final Tables, and more! 📺🏆💰

Check it out here – https://t.co/maW705XHTu
Also available in the App & Google Play Stores pic.twitter.com/lJgaCha9Zj

— World Poker Tour (@WPT) August 2, 2023

I’ll admit that I didn’t know the WPT had an app that needed to be improved. The “new and improved” WatchWPT has a new user interface and more content.

Reason for WatchWPT App Relaunch

According to the World Poker Tour, the relaunch of WatchWPT was to broaden its reach, taking it to the level of an app that poker fans can access from their mobile devices. At the same time, they launched the product for availability on Vizio and LG Smart TVs. Soon to follow will be Samsung and Philips TVs.

More than that, the relaunch is a part of the rebranding efforts that began last year for the World Poker Tour. With the Season XX changes, WatchWPT was slated for upgrades as well. It now has an improved interface and provides a more user-friendly experience.

What to Watch on WatchWPT

The vast library of World Poker Tour events is on the WatchWPT app and website. Check out everything from old Grand Prix de Paris and Legends of Poker final tables to Alpha8 and celebrity specials. There are also collections of the most memorable WPT final tables from the past as well final tables and livestreams from the 2022 WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.

Currently, the categories by season includes everything from Season 8 of the World Poker Tour through Season 18. All three seasons of Alpha8 high rollers are available as well.

More episodes are being added, however, including that 20th season finale at Wynn last year and the livestreamed cash games from that event.

It appears that the team behind WatchWPT is still uploading additional episodes and footage. According to the WPT, this will continue through next year as the library becomes home to more classic content to complement new footage.

Free Registration

There is a registration feature, which simply requires a login name, password, and email. This allows viewers to use extras like the “continue watching” feature, so you can stop watching an episode or stream at any point and resume at that place when you return.

You can also “favorite” certain episodes to rewatch later. This is an especially helpful feature if you see poker hands that you want to watch again to improve your own poker game.

There was a downside to my experience with the app though, namely a lot of ads. Before watching a video, there are six ads, though some of them are very short.

The upside, however, is that the app and content is free. In a world where TV watchers now have to seemingly pay for every channel available, the World Poker Tour’s shows are free on apps like this. And its availability through an app makes it easier to watch on a mobile device and on the go.

WatchWPT screenshot

Expectations were high for women at the 2023 World Series of Poker. Specifically, those interested in growing diversity in poker hoped to see more women in the series in general. By most accounts, people did notice more women at the tables.

Growth of women in poker is difficult to quantify, however, as most tournament operators do not provide gender breakdowns.

The World Series of Poker hosted 95 live tournaments in the summer of 2023, with several dozen more online. The WSOP Online contingent never provides gender breakdowns. The WSOP’s live series is hit or miss. In 2022, I received the number of male and female players in the Main Event and for the entire live series. This year, I asked for both but only received the Main Event number. That makes it very difficult to gauge progress – or lack thereof – for women in poker.

Since the Main Event number is something that the WSOP provides year after year, we can see the trends with women in that $10K buy-in tournament.

WSOP Main Event women stats

First, let’s look at the actual number of women in the WSOP Main Event in each of the last six years. The number itself grew consistently prior to the pandemic, dropped in 2021 (during the F-it-lets-try-it-despite-Covid-wear-a-mask year), and then jumped back into place in 2022. This year, there were 395 women in the Main – 20 more than last year.

From a different angle, we can see the percentage of women was on a solid upward trajectory… until this year. Even in the unusual 2021 circumstances, the percentage of women grew in relation to the overall field. Growth slowed a bit last year and then dropped this year. The record-setting WSOP Main Event attendance left the percentage of women to fall 0.4%.

Polling the Public

When Joey Pigtails asked what can be done to positively impact the number, I decided to ask women.

Great question. Women who play…what would make you more interested in playing the $10K Main next year? (Money and time, obv, but what could be done to make it feel accessible?) https://t.co/xegSnRNFyN

— Jennifer Newell (@WriterJen) July 13, 2023

I tracked the answers on Twitter, and I asked the same questions in two popular women’s poker groups on Facebook. I received hundreds of responses, most public but some private.

A Lot of Money

Most women in poker are not full-time professionals, and very few play at the highest buy-in levels of the game. While the WSOP Main Event is not often considered a high-stakes tournament, it does require a $10K buy-in. That is, in fact, a lot of money for one tournament.

That was the most common theme from women’s responses: They can’t afford a $10K buy-in.

These were the most common comments, paraphrased:

There were other big concerns as well.

It’s important to note that time is a factor in the WSOP Main Event like in no other poker tournament. There are four starting flights and two “Day 2” iterations before players combine. And the money bubble may burst late on Day 3 or – like this year – into Day 4. Even if a player competes in Day 1D, they would need to book a six-day stay just to ensure they could play into the money and not have to worry about flight changes until they ran deep enough into the payouts that an airline fee wouldn’t be a second thought. Add on travel days to the beginning and end, and a player could be away from home for 7-8 days at a minimum to play one tournament.

Solutions Abound

Women were quick to include suggestions for ways to solve some of the above issues.

Since the primary hurdle to playing the Main Event is the buy-in itself, the most common suggestion was more satellites. That broke down into a variety of ideas:

Poker League of Nations (PLON) was quick to note that they offered satellites for women to win their way to the Main Event. PLON also offers staking opportunities via its Facebook group.

Staking has been offered on various terms. Some are shared investments (typically going back to the staking fund to support #MoreWomen), or at varying percentages, some are 100% to the player! Depends on who’s offering the staking, and what agreement is in any particular case.

— PokerLeagueOfNations🌎 (@PokrLeagNations) July 14, 2023

Some women noted that those who are newest to the game may not be familiar with all of the different women’s groups in poker, nor do they have the time to peruse long Facebook threads or scroll Twitter. They don’t know about staking opportunities, how to organize home games live or online, or how to find the online poker sites that offer sanctioned satellites. Some don’t even know how satellites work and why they are so popular.

Mo Problems, Fewer Solutions

There are, of course, issues for which there are no easy solutions.

First, an oft-mentioned concern is the sexism and misogyny still present in poker. Obviously, this is a problem the world over, well beyond poker, but it is more pronounced when women are such a minority at the tables. When a woman knows that she will likely be the only woman at her table at any given time, it can decrease the desire to play that event.

Further, if women are not confident that any sexism or harassment will be met with swift consequences by the tournament staff, it further deters women from wanting to play.

Second, there is the high tax for players from the European Union and Canada, among other parts of the world. For example, Canadian women mentioned a 30% tax off the top of any winnings exceeding $5K, which would be a min-cash in the Main Event. Add to that a plethora of paperwork to apply for some of that money to be reimbursed in the next year or more, plus an unfavorable exchange rate for US currency for everything from hotel to buy-ins, and it becomes a complicated, prohibitive mess.

I know many Canadian women who came down for the Series and I’m not sure why I never thought about the exchange rate…but it’s not $10k to them! If money is a barrier, so is exchange rate. They told me they really had to choose wisely due to that. pic.twitter.com/xVDPS4EVs2

— Malia Miranda (@JMaliaMiranda) July 13, 2023

Third, there is the loneliness that can accompany a journey to Las Vegas and playing the Main Event. If a woman does not have a family member who can afford to also make the trip to Vegas or if the woman has no poker-playing friends, the journey through the Main Event can be a lonely one.

Finally, comments from women expressed a need for child care references in Las Vegas, more education about staking and satellites, a forum to connect with women for traveling in pairs or groups, and online poker satellites in parts of the USA and world that have no WSOP-affiliated options.

There are some groups in poker that address some of these issues, with the exception of child care and online poker satellites. Some Facebook groups provide the space for women to network and connect. Pocket Queens is a group that focuses heavily on game education. PLON and WPA focus on community.

Women can find most of what they seek. However, there is trial and error in finding the right group with the right resources, the one(s) that will benefit them the most.

100%. Hard to believe QQ is just 1 year old, eh? Next year will be even more amazing, as the count down to WSOP 2024 begins today. Time to hit the lab, sisters! https://t.co/HDEWpE043k

— Victoria Livschitz (@VictoriaL_64) July 26, 2023

Perhaps, though, women will never flock to the WSOP Main Event in big numbers. They may stick to lower buy-in events and cash games. Some will always prefer women-only tournaments.

Time and the availability of resources will tell.

Everyone has advice. Why is there so much advice for players traveling to Las Vegas to play the World Series of Poker for the first time? The main reason is that everyone who has been there can think of at least one thing they wish they knew before their first WSOP.

The standard tips that apply to everyone are relatively straightforward:

These types of tips are all important – very important.

In addition, there are some tips that more specifically apply to women going to poker’s summer camp in Las Vegas this summer.

2023 wsop

Tip #1: Dress comfortably and in layers

Every woman in poker is different with regard to styles and preferences. Some lean more toward jeans and t-shirts, while others want to wear their cute shoes and summer tops.

Keep in mind that a tournament day can be 14 or more hours long, taking into consideration registration and breaks. And at any casino, there will be a walk from parking to the poker room. In the case of the WSOP, there is also a walk from Paris’ ballrooms to the Horseshoe’s convention center. There will be quick walks to bathrooms on breaks, and there may be a rush to grab food during dinner breaks.

My advice: Opt for comfortable shoes.

Of course, it is summer in Vegas, which means temperatures outside can easily surpass 100° F. For any outdoor walking or activity of any sort, summer clothes are a must. However, casinos are notoriously cooler. And poker tournament rooms, such as the vast ballrooms of the WSOP, can be chilly, especially for those seated near an air conditioning vent.

My advice: Bring layers, including a sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket. Don’t underestimate the power of a casino’s AC.

I was blessed recently to be able to interview 5 powerful, wonderful women in poker for my newest article on Cardplayer Lifestyle. (@PokerLifeMedia)
Thanks @Kyna_CooL, @chrisreadpoker, @abbypoker34, @FirstLadyPoker and Terry King!https://t.co/easCui4htc

— Christina Bradfield (@mauichri) November 14, 2022

Tip #2: Backpacks are better than purses

Purses are often a part of a woman’s style. The most stylish ones can also be small and impractical. For women who carry large bag-like purses, those might be enough for playing poker tournaments.

The best bet, however, is a backpack. Not only is it smart to pack an extra layer of clothes (see tip #1), it is beneficial (and budget-conscious) to carry water bottles and snacks. Add in a phone charger, a tablet and its charger, a book, headphones, mints or gum, and toiletries for freshening up midway through a very long day, and all of this adds up to the need for something more than a purse.

My advice: Find a backpack that fits your style and use it for poker days.

Tip #3: Make a plan

Every poker player should have a plan when they arrive in Las Vegas. Even locals have a plan to implement when the official summer of poker begins. There are dozens of tournaments on the WSOP schedule alone, not to mention series also happening at Wynn, Venetian, Aria, MGM Grand, Golden Nugget, and Orleans. There are also dailies and special events (such as Cardplayer Lifestyle’s Mixed Game Festival V) at casinos like Resorts World, South Point, and Bellagio.

To get the best value and play the tournaments that best suit one’s skills and budget, a plan is vital.

When making that plan, also consider the parking and/or transportation options for each location. Women must be more careful when determining the safest choices balanced with the most affordable ones.

Women traveling to and from casinos alone should know that parking garages do not always have security present, though it is possible to ask for a security escort or walk with a friend – or even a nice family that is going in your general direction. There is no shame in asking for company in lieu of walking alone.

Valets are available at casinos, but new rules in Las Vegas allow them to charge quite a significant sum for those services. Research those options before pulling up to a valet only to find out that it is reserved for hotel guests only or that it costs $30.

My advice: Have a plan, weigh the costs and safety of various forms of transportation, and never hesitate to ask someone for a walking or traveling partner.

Tip #4: Be alert

This tip is very much in line with tip #3, but it pertains to even more situations. Women walking alone can be targeted more frequently for scams, especially from someone asking for help. Women can also be targeted by general creeps by way of creepy behavior.

The world is what it is, but stay alert. When replaying a hand in one’s head on the way to dinner, stay alert. When on the phone with a poker coach walking from one casino to another, keep an eye on your surroundings.

The best option is always to walk in pairs or groups, but there’s a lot to be said for solitude after leaving a busy tournament area or poker room.

My advice: Stay alert at all times.

Tip #5: Consider alternatives to carrying cash

This mostly applies to poker players with larger bankrolls, but any poker player should be wary of carrying too much cash.

Of course, buying in to tournaments with credit or debit cards incur fees, and using some online services like Bravo can do the same. However, consider the worth of these services as an alternative to the dangers of carrying cash. Some people are perfectly comfortable with cash as their circumstances make it more feasible. If not, know that there are other options.

If carrying cash is a must, know that a casino employs security personnel for many reasons. Do not be afraid to ask for an escort to your rental car or to the valet. These are services that casinos should provide to keep their customers safe.

My advice: If carrying cash is a must, ask for a security escort.

Tip #6: Know your poker rights

Some women will be playing in a big tournament series or even cash games for the first time. There are intimidation factors for some, but one of the most daunting is not feeling sure about table or tournament rules.

Do a little research before sitting down at the tables. Read the tournament rules first so there is no question about raise sizing or the type of table talk that is permitted. The WSOP, for example, posts an updated set of rules ahead of its series. Those rules are based on the latest industry-wide rules posted by the Tournament Directors Association.

It’s important for all players to know poker rules. New players can erase a level of intimidation by knowing said rules, and women can know some ways to counteract men who might choose to harass them. Some important ones in tournament play are as follows, specific to the WSOP:

My advice: Know when you can ask the dealer to notify floor staff due to player harassment.

The next poker boom will happen when we as operators/players/enthusiasts make more women feel safe playing the game we all love. This is done by making sure the tables are always kept safe for all, respectful for all, diverse and inclusive of all.
Zero tolerance on any abuse.

— Sean McCormack ♠️ (@ThePokerBoss) February 24, 2021

Tip #7: Know how to report abuse

Some women claim to have never experienced harassment when playing poker. Others have told tales of varying levels of harassment and abuse. It is important to know how to report abuse, should it occur.

The first person in the line of reporting is the dealer. Sometimes, however, a dealer may not have seen or heard the behavior in question or choose not to warn the offending player(s). In that case, a player can demand that the dealer call a floor manager. That individual can then rule on a situation or dispute and regularly does so to take the onus off the dealer, considering the dealer must continue to interact with all players at that table. In the case of an egregious offense, WSOP Vice President Jack Effel and has long been the WSOP Tournament Director and will make a final ruling.

Women should also know that there are security personnel located around any poker tournament area and in any casino in general. If feeling uneasy or uncomfortable for any reason, make note of the location of those security guards. Feel free to ask their advice or request assistance from them as well.

My advice:  Always report harassment and/or abuse. It is the only way to stop it.

Tip #8: Get to know other women in poker

The number of women in the overall game of poker remains small in proportion to the general poker population. Tournament poker continues to see only approximately 5% of fields represented by women. Cash games are more difficult to determine, but the number is typically in the single-digit percentage in any given poker room at any given time.

There are many great women in poker. Some are new, some are veterans of the game, and others might be recognizable names from televised poker, podcasts, or livestreams. Say hello. Ask around and see if there is a group of women doing the dinner break together. Exchange numbers to have a coffee or tea before the next tournament day. Engage with them in some way.

Broaden this community. It is the women of poker who will ultimately be responsible for growing our community, along with our presence at the tables and our influence within the industry.

My advice: Just say hi!

Happy International Women's Day to all the fierce, intelligent, and skilled women poker players here!
Remember that you belong at the table, and you have what it takes to become a legend.
Hit the PLAY button and enjoy this inspiring video.
🆓 Chips 👉 https://t.co/hSgftM1w70 pic.twitter.com/dUafgwE8W1

— WSOP_Game (@WSOP_Game) March 8, 2023

Tip #9: Ask other women

When it comes to finding out how to navigate the poker world in general, there is no better person to advise a woman than another woman.

Ask another woman for advice about the best tournaments or cash games, the poker rooms that best protect women, the safest parking garages, or the best allies in poker overall. Broaden those topics to ask other women for the best coffee recommendations or healthy food options or place to find a quiet moment.

Not only will a woman find the best path in poker by asking other women, but this dovetails nicely with tip #8 of simply getting to know other women in the game.

My advice: Simply ask women.

Importantly, this is a vital tip for men in poker, from players to top-level executives. When there are questions about women – how to encourage them to play, how to make them feel safe, find out if they prefer women-only or open events – ask women. It is far too common to see men pontificating on social media about topics that involve women, in poker and beyond. It seems like a logical step, but it has become clear that this must be repeated… often.

My advice: Talk to women.

Tip #10: Find the fun

Poker is a serious career for some players, but the vast majority of players – whether pros or semi-pros or recreationals – are at the tables to have fun. They want to enjoy the experience.

If a table is too serious, make a joke. If a table is abnormally quiet, say something. It doesn’t hurt to be proactive and encourage a fun atmosphere.

Poker has not endured and grown purely because of the potential to earn money or win a life-changing tournament. These are goals for many players, of course, but the game perseveres because it is an enjoyable and entertaining experience for most players. Every player can control how enjoyable and entertaining that experience is.

My advice: \ Have fun!

If you know poker, you know Bernard Lee. He’s been in poker since the days of the poker boom, with Hendon Mob results that date back to 2005. Many poker fans, however, know him for his writing and interviews. And this month, Lee is celebrating the 16th anniversary of his poker podcast. The Bernard Lee Poker Show is old enough to drive on its own now, but Lee behind the wheel is what keeps people tuning in after all these years.

Cardplayer Lifestyle proudly syndicates Lee’s podcast, the longest-running show of its kind in the industry.

Bernard Lee

The Bernard Lee Poker Show was a podcast before radio shows became podcasts, since his show was a part of Rounder’s Radio and considered a radio and internet show. It had news, poker tips, answers to questions about the game, and interviews with the top names in poker. Lee built the product on the back of his own newspaper and ESPN columns and then complimented it all with his two volumes of The Final Table poker books.

It’s been quite a ride for Lee, as he has remained a staple in the poker industry. Players and fans have come and gone, but Lee maintained his passion for the game and the players in it through the years.

Celebrating Sweet Sixteen

This month, May 2023, marks the 16th anniversary of Lee’s show.

“It is amazing how time flies,” Lee reflected. “I cannot believe it was 16 years ago this month when I started the show. It has been an honor and privilege to interview such incredible guests on The Bernard Lee Poker Show for so many years. I look forward to continuing interviews with champion poker players and industry personnel for my loyal fans and listeners.”

And that is exactly what he is doing to celebrate his Sweet Sixteen anniversary. He will interview 2022 WSOP Main Event champion Espen Jorstad in a two-part show that covers everything from the Norwegian champion’s background to his journey through poker and on to a $10M victory on the poker world’s largest stage.

The timeliness of this interview cannot be ignored, as the 2023 World Series of Poker is gearing up to start on May 30 at the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas properties. Jorstad will, undoubtedly, be at the WSOP to defend his Main Event title and try to win another gold bracelet.

Espen Jorstad

Image credit: PokerGO

RunGood Partnership

Last year, RunGood.com was one of the sponsors for the 15th anniversary of The Bernard Lee Poker Show. That solid relationship continued into this year, as RunGood Gear is the sponsor of the 16th anniversary as well.

This means giveaways for Lee’s poker audience. Listeners can qualify for giveaways associated with the current anniversary celebration by following @BernardLeePoker on Twitter or Instagram, or by subscribing to his YouTube channel. There will be RunGood apparel up for grabs to show appreciation for both new and veteran listeners of The Bernard Lee Poker Show.

Not only did Lee serve as an ambassador for RunGood in 2013, the tour and poker apparel company continues to support him in his poker endeavors, as it has throughout the past decade. RunGood President Tana Karn noted, “Bernard continues to provide fantastic content and insight into the poker world. Congratulations, Bernard, on another incredible milestone.”

Special Remembrance

In an unexpected turn of events, Doyle Brunson passed away at the age of 89 nearly one week ago. Lee had interviewed Brunson several times throughout his time in poker, and this week was an opportunity to think back on those times. He reflected about his last conversation with the Godfather of Poker in 2018, as Brunson made a run at the WSOP $10K 2-7 Single Draw final table.

A controversy in the pokersphere can arise quickly. Someone may play a poker hand today that instantly becomes controversial. Or a situation can reemerge from the past, take on a new form or add a new component, and capture the attention of Poker Twitter and surrounding areas. Or a member of the poker community might make an eyebrow-raising wager that get the attention of sites like onlinebet.com.

Not all people have the time to follow drama unfold on Twitter. They often ask for CliffsNotes. “Can someone give me the basics of this situation?” I’m here to do that. And since (insert copyright legalese here) that name is taken, I’m naming this column something unbelievably original:

JensNotes

Catchy, no? If no, we can go with a more explanatory title of Controversy Clean-Up.

Ali Imsirovic versus Phil Nagy

People logging on to Twitter on Wednesday, May 17, or anytime thereafter, may see chatter about longtime high-stakes poker pro Ali Imsirovic allegedly using bots to cheat on Americas Cardroom (ACR) and its sister sites on the Winning Poker Network (WPN). Or they may have seen people applauding WPN CEO Phil Nagy for putting a $100K bounty on the proverbial table for anyone who can prove that Imsirovic is doing said cheating.

Let’s go back.

Origin Story: Ali Allegations

What had happened was…

In April 2022, high-stakes poker players were playing events on the island of Cyprus. There was a Super High Roller Bowl and Triton Super High Roller Series, all a part of the PokerGO Tour (PGT).

Ali Imsirovic had been riding high from big results for several years running. He was the first-ever PGT Player of the Year in 2021 and he was on his way to a repeat, already on top of the PGT POY leaderboard in Cyprus… until things began to quickly fall apart.

Alex Foxen took to Twitter to publicly accuse Imsirovic of cheating at the Super High Roller Bowl – on the livestream, no less. Foxen said that Imsirovic looked at table-neighbor Paul Phua’s hole cards, and the livestream recording appeared to back up that assertion. The next day, Imsirovic played more of the tournament but wearing sunglasses, a rarity at those games and for Imsirovic himself.

Ali is known as a cheater to almost all in the high roller community, however without much ironclad proof, most stay silent. After watching this hand on the SHRB live stream, enough is enough.

— Alex Foxen (@WAFoxen) April 18, 2022

Here is a sim of Ali's response to check raise. There are no small 3bs, only shoves. All of these shoves have a diamond in them. Taking a small 3b option makes a lot of sense knowing the Ad and a 5 are out of the deck. This "sick line" brought to you by pauls hole cards. pic.twitter.com/nxkg8yow60

— Alex Foxen (@WAFoxen) April 18, 2022

The high stakes community is, for the most part, extremely honorable and a group of people I consider myself lucky to associate with. This nonsense should not be tolerated and needs to be called out more often.

— Alex Foxen (@WAFoxen) April 18, 2022

While most poker players were taken by surprise at the accusation, many high-stakes players were not. Players such as Justin Bonomo and Ryan Leng spoke up as well to corroborate Foxen’s overall allegations of Imsirovic’s unethical play. It snowballed from there.

As of this article’s publication, there has not been any proof. Not a single poker player has produced solid proof that Imsirovic undoubtedly cheated in online poker. Even the livestream appearing to show Imsirovic peeking at an opponent’s cards could not serve as clear-cut evidence.

Further, GGPoker would never confirm or deny any investigation into Imsirovic or if he had been banned. This is common for online poker rooms, as they rarely reveal any information related to cheating allegations.

Even so, poker tours began to prohibit Imsirovic from playing their events. He and another player – Jake Schindler – were allegedly turned away from registration in the middle of the 2022 European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo series in early May 2022.

Breaking: Ali and Jake enjoying the Beach in Monte Carlo instead of playing the 50k. A ban is possible but not confirmed. I will keep you updated

— Dietrich Fast (@2pacnrw16) May 3, 2022

While the WSOP in the summer of 2022 took no steps to prohibit Imsirovic from playing, the PokerGO Tour did institute a ban in September. The PGT suspended Imsirovic and Schindler indefinitely and ruled them ineligible for their Player of the Year race. Even with that, the statement provided no details or evidence.

Statement regarding the PGT status of Ali Imsirovic and Jake Schindler.

🔗 – https://t.co/P1CXlpOVJi pic.twitter.com/WWFsyrOkkw

— PokerGO Tour (@PokerGOTour) September 22, 2022

Despite the lack of evidence, the word of the poker players appeared to corroborate what some tour operators or online poker site operators knew or believed to be true.

It should also be noted that Imsirovic has never made a public statement about any of the accusations.

More to the Story: Coaching and a Bounty

The word around most poker spaces was that Imsirovic had given up on most live poker tournaments for the indefinite future. He did not try to play in the inaugural WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas in December, and he has yet to reappear at any major live poker series. Poker Twitter would have reported it.

However, poker players “in the know” felt certain that Imsirovic has continued to play online. He has reportedly been banned from sites like GGPoker and PokerStars. Notably, he was also banned from the Winning Poker Network, including Americas Cardroom in 2019.

On May 17, Barry Carter happened upon Imsirovic’s Instagram account and snapped a photo of a message asking any guys (only guys, evidently) to email him if they’d be interested in poker coaching.

Oooh Ali Imsirovic is coaching people now. I wonder if he is coaching people on poker or, you know, the other thing pic.twitter.com/dfBQZGAkYH

— Barry Carter (@Barry_Carter) May 17, 2023

Poker pros like Matt Berkey responded to Twitter threads to relay long-standing rumors that Imsirovic and his stable of horses collude and use RTA systems on ACR regularly. Phil Galfond seemed to believe this as well, referring on Twitter to Imsirovic’s “current cheating methods.”

Enter WPN CEO Phil Nagy. He was checking Twitter from the high-stakes tables at the current Triton series in Cyprus and saw Galfond’s tweet. Seemingly without hesitation, Nagy offered up a $100K bounty for proof of the cheating.

I will go on record I am in the Triton 200k blinding off reading this. I will offer a 100k reward for proof of this I take security seriously however there is no-one that is perfect. Help me Help you if you can. (excuse grammar Im under some pressure here) https://t.co/8Kz4AtYL8X

— Phillip Nagy (@WPN_CEO) May 18, 2023

The move garnered praise from around the poker community, even from those who would not ordinarily say anything positive about an offshore-based poker operator. Matt Berkey, Jesse Sylvia, Ryan Riess, Justin Bonomo, and Dan Zack were among those magnifying Nagy’s offer.

That’s the story so far.