The professional poker landscape is still very male-dominated, but the few women who are in the game do their best to make an impact. Maria Ho, one of the top-ranked female poker players in the world, says that women make up around 3% of professional poker, but this has made it even more important for them to fight for their place at the table and prove their skills.
This unique challenge has also drawn much attention to their games, and many use this to elevate causes they’re passionate about, such as breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, but many don’t seek help due to a lack of education about the disease or barriers to access, like cost and limited services.
Many female players use their impact in poker to play a part in raising awareness and support for organizations that help survivors and their families. Some are breast cancer survivors and use their poker experience to showcase how they can still make an impact in the game, inspire other women, and contribute to the cause. Here’s how women in poker are taking charge in the fight against breast cancer:
Charity tournaments
Raising support is one of the most crucial ways poker can help aid in the fight against breast cancer, and charity tournaments can make the experience more exciting for all who participate. In 2024, the leading online poker brand America’s Card Room hosted a charity tournament during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise support for the cause. The event had a $55 buy-in with $15,000 guaranteed, and an additional $5,000 guaranteed tournament with a $16.50 buy-in helped boost efforts.
In total, the charity event raised $20,000, with all proceeds going to the United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF) to aid in the organization’s programs for breast cancer patients. It will help with the Individual Grant Program, which provides customized support and help with expenses, from medical bills and procedures to housing bills and insurance coverage.
At the forefront of the tournament were some of America’s Card Room’s most prolific female Team Pros, such as Katie Lindsay and Ebony Kenney, and ACR Team Online member Svitlana ‘Svetarik’ Dryha. Having top women in poker hosting the event and sharing their insights and experiences with the game also highlights the impact of representation in poker. Aside from showcasing their prowess online or on the felt, they can share their expertise and personal stories to inspire both players and breast cancer survivors alike.
Using their platform
Aside from raising support for the condition, some women in poker are also breast cancer survivors themselves. Pamela Wilson, a poker player and entrepreneur, was diagnosed with Stage 2 invasive Breast Cancer in 2015. She learned about the diagnosis right after winning the Main Event at the PPC Poker Tour and heading to Aruba through a PPC Aruba package prize.
After gaining recognition for the win, many women players were inspired by the feat. Since then, she created a nonprofit organization that helps support foundations that help other women facing breast cancer and recovery. Her platform has inspired women and aided the fight against the condition.
Another well-known woman in poker, Ruth Hall, is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She was a founding board member of the Women’s Poker Association (WPA) and recently won Player of the Year for the Ladies International Poker Series and has two major titles with it. She uses her impact in women’s poker to urge others to seek annual mammograms at every opportunity.
Our “Check Your Breasts. Mine Tried to Kill Me.” post highlights how undergoing regular check-ups is essential for spotting the disease in time, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer. Ruth Hall’s platform helps raise awareness and emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment for breast cancer.
Even though not many women are in the professional poker scene, those who are in the game understand the power they have with all the eyes on them. Using their place in the game allows them to fight for crucial causes like breast cancer awareness.
For more on women making an impact, check out these stories on our site!
