Another day of exciting poker rolled out as Cardplayer Lifestyle’s coverage of Women’s Poker Week 2026 continued at South Point Casino. The $240 LIPS Omaha 8 Championship was a smashing success. The Women’s Poker Association and LIPS Ladies International Poker Series were on hand to congratulate the winners with swag bags and the winners’ trophies.
The tournament attracted 34 talented players, with the money bubble bursting when six players remained. The minimum cash was $680, while the $6,800 prize pool awarded $2,448 to the champion.
Mixed game tournaments can be more difficult to populate because they require players to be proficient in multiple poker variants. Given that context, a field of 34 entrants was a a relatively impressive turnout and a positive sign for the continued growth of mixed games. LIPS founder Lupe Soto is optimistic that participation in these events will continue to increase as more players embrace the format.
The dealers, directors, and staff are always friendly and accommodating, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the women. Aaron Crouch, Tournament Director, shared his thoughts on Women’s Poker Week 2026:
“We value our room as one that is welcoming and safe for women’s events. We continue to strive for improvement as we work closely with Lupe Soto and her team.” He also added: “I personally enjoy seeing the camaraderie among the women.”
The final five featured a talented group of mostly regulars, each bringing their best game in pursuit of the cash prizes and coveted trophies.
An ICM (Independent Chip Model) chop was discussed several times throughout the final table, but the players were determined to battle it out for the trophies and play continued.
Nhung Cardero of Orangevale, California, has recently been exploring mixed games. This was her first Omaha Hi-Lo tournament, and she turned it into an impressive fifth-place finish.
Shannon Romero of Las Lomas, New Mexico, is no stranger to deep runs. According to The Hendon Mob, she regularly cashes at Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, and she added another result to her résumé with a fourth-place finish.
Robin Wittman of Mesa, Arizona, played a steady, disciplined game throughout the afternoon; she finished third.
Tammy Allen of Las Vegas continued her success in LIPS Omaha Hi-Lo events. Allen made a deep run in the LIPS Spring Festival at South Point earlier this year and won this very tournament two years ago. She was thrilled to return to the podium, taking second place along with the WPA trophy.
“I always have fun, and I wanted to come play with the ladies today,” Allen said.
Allen further explained that her primary goal was simply to reach the final table. Along the way, she took a few calculated risks that paid off, allowing her to double up and build the stack she needed for another deep run.
Las Vegas mixed-game regular Espy Enriquez (pictured above) was ultimately awarded the victory, taking home the LIPS trophy. Although she doesn’t regularly play Omaha Hi-Lo tournaments, Enriquez was delighted with the result. She admitted she hadn’t played a tournament in quite some time but made the trip specifically to support Lupe Soto and the women’s poker community. Enriquez gave the second trophy to Allen, as she had never won one before.
“Lupe is like my sister,” Enriquez said. “Lupe works so hard, and every female who plays should give support.”
Enriquez also revealed that she entered the final table with one of the shortest stacks and was especially proud of battling back from near the bottom of the chip counts to capture the title.
| Final Table | South Point Casino LIPS Ladies Omaha 8 | ||
| Rank | Player | Country | Prize |
| 1 | Espy Enriquez | Las Vegas, Nevada | $1,915 |
| 2 | Tammy Allen | Colorado Springs, Colorado | $1,740 |
| 3 | Robin Wittman | Las Vegas, Nevada | $1,580 |
| 4 | Shannon Romero | Las Lunas, New Mexico | $884 |
| 5 | Nhung Cardeno | Indian Springs, Orangeville, California | $680 |
Player of the Day: Anjali Singhai
As part of our 20226 Women’s Poker Week coverage, this installment’s Player of the Day section is brought to you by Texas Card House.
“Our experienced staff is committed to ensuring that your experience at TCH is nothing short of exceptional, from the moment you walk through the door to the final hand of the night.”
Originally from California and now living in central Pennsylvania, Anjali Singhai has loved poker ever since turning 21. She caught the poker bug early, making frequent trips to Las Vegas, even when she had just $100 in her wallet.
Her introduction to the game came during a poker lesson on a cruise ship. One of the instructors pointed to a poker tournament playing on the television and told her, “You should be here.” The player on the screen was Jennifer Harman, who would later become one of Singhai’s biggest inspirations. From there, she honed her skills in a local bar league and played recreationally for several years.
About five years ago, Singhai decided to take poker much more seriously. She immersed herself in studying the game through Poker Queens, took coaching sessions, including lessons from Victoria Livschitz, known as “Trekker,” joined the Mentor Coalition, and most recently began working with Octopi Poker. She credits each of these resources with helping elevate her game.
READ MORE: A Thorough Review of Octopi Poker
One of her favourite poker memories dates back to 2010, when she attended the Poker Players Championship.
“I took selfies with Phil Ivey, Antonio Esfandiari, and Jennifer Harman.”
Meeting some of poker’s greatest players only strengthened her passion for the game.
Away from the tables, Singhai is an emotional intelligence coach and also serves as an instructor for Poker Power, where she helps introduce more people to the game.
Her pre-tournament routine combines study with a positive mindset. Before she sits down to play, she reminds herself: “Have fun, trust your gut, don’t play scared poker.”
It is a mantra that encourages confidence and fearless decision-making. She also makes a conscious effort to avoid passive play and always plays to win. Singhai believes one of her greatest strengths is reading people, although she admits with a laugh: “Women are tough to read.”
She also encourages women entering the game to embrace their place at the table.
“Claim your seat and don’t be apologetic for being there.”
One of her major goals this summer is to make a deep run in the World Series of Poker Mini Main Event.
She already has plenty of momentum. Just yesterday, Singhai finished runner-up in the South Point LIPS Championship after beginning Day 2 with only 12 big blinds.
“I didn’t know what was going to happen,” she exclaimed. A timely double-up gave her new life, and she skillfully navigated her way to the final table. “The final table ladies were all really tough opponents.”
When asked what keeps her coming back to women’s events, her answer was immediate: “I love playing women’s events. This community is a gift, and I have made lifelong friends through poker.”
For Singhai, poker is about far more than results. It is about community, continual growth, and having the confidence to take your seat at the table.
WPA Update for Monday, June 29th
The PLON Women’s Crystal Cup Championship kicks off today at 11 a.m., followed by the LIPS Tour Wynn High Roller, which starts today at Noon.
As the WPA’s official media partner for Women’s Poker Week 2026, we encourage you to follow @PokerLifeMedia across all their socials, as they will be highlighting “all things women in poker” this week.
Good luck at the tables!
WPA 💜
2026 Women’s Poker Week: What’s Next – for June 29th?
- 11 a.m. $360 Caesars’ Palace PLON Women’s NLH Crystal Cup Championship
- Noon $2,500 Wynn Ladies NLH High Roller Day 1 $200K GTD
- 4:10 p.m. $300 Venetian NLH Satellite (3 seats GTD) to the Venetian High Roller on June 30th
