Celebrating History and Excellence: The Women in Poker Hall of Fame Class of 2024
The world of poker, often characterized by intense competition and high stakes, has evolved significantly over the years, thanks in large part to the extraordinary contributions of women. The Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) is set to honor another remarkable class of inductees who have left an indelible mark on this vibrant community. As the excitement builds for the upcoming induction ceremony, let’s take a closer look at the exceptional nominees for the Class of 2024.
Who Are the Nominees?
This year, eight outstanding women are in the running for induction into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. Each nominee has showcased not only their prowess at the poker table but also a deep commitment to promoting and enhancing the game for future generations.
Kristen Bicknell Foxen
First among these extraordinary nominees is Kristen Bicknell Foxen, a four-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner. With over $8.4 million in earnings, she stands as one of the top 200 earners in poker history, a distinction shared with only one other woman. Originally recognized as an online prodigy, Foxen has transitioned to become a formidable force in live tournaments, recently finishing 13th in the 2024 WSOP Main Event, adding $600,000 to her impressive total. Her journey exemplifies the peak of achievement within the game.
Kristen Bicknell
Liv Boeree
Liv Boeree emerges as another extraordinary candidate. The English player and science communicator, with over $3.8 million in lifetime winnings, is the only woman to claim both a WSOP bracelet and an EPT Main Event title, achieving her historic victory at EPT Sanremo in 2010. Beyond her accolades at the tables, Boeree is an influential advocate for rational thinking through poker strategies and effective altruism, co-founding Raising for Effective Giving (REG) to promote charitable contributions.
Liv Boeree
Jeanne David
Jeanne David is known for her remarkable contributions both on and off the felt. Specializing in mixed games, she accrued $250,000 in winnings while tirelessly advocating for player rights and online poker legalization in the U.S. and Europe. David’s pioneering efforts in responsible gaming highlight her commitment to ensuring a fair and safe poker environment.
Jeanne David
Jamie Kerstetter
Combining poker talent with digital charisma, Jamie Kerstetter has made significant strides in social media and commentary. With live tournament winnings exceeding $950,000, she’s earned a reputation as a unique voice in the poker community, winning two Global Poker Awards for "Best Twitter Personality." Her humorous insights and vast knowledge contribute heavily to the media landscape surrounding poker.
Jamie Kerstetter
Kara Scott
A versatile figure in poker, Kara Scott shines as both a player and a prominent television personality. With career earnings surpassing $660,000, Scott has showcased her skills on some of poker’s biggest stages while anchoring numerous prominent poker broadcasts. Her contribution extends beyond the felt as she pens insightful analyses and engaging commentary.
Kara Scott
Rebecca McAdam Willetts
Rebecca McAdam Willetts has dedicated nearly two decades to promoting women in poker. Her initiatives include women-only boot camps and founding a female insights community, as well as raising over $1.5 million for charity through PokerStars events. Notably, she recently established QueenBHive, a PR firm dedicated to uplifting women-owned businesses—an inspiring venture she launched while pregnant.
Rebecca McAdam Willetts
Annette Obrestad
The Norwegian prodigy known as Annette_15 made headlines by winning the inaugural WSOP Europe Main Event just before her 19th birthday, making her the youngest bracelet winner at the time. Building her bankroll from freerolls, she has over $3.9 million in earnings and remains an inspirational figure, having transitioned to a successful career in Scrabble.
Annette Obrestad
Jennifer Shahade
Jennifer Shahade stands out as a dual-champion of chess and poker. As a Woman Grandmaster and two-time US Women’s Chess Champion, her strategic prowess complements her poker accomplishments. Shahade’s work as an author and advocate for gender equality in chess and poker has earned her widespread respect across both fields.
Jennifer Shahade
The Voting Process
Voting for the WiPHoF Class of 2024 is open until midnight PST on October 30, 2024. The inductees will be determined through a combination of public votes and selections made by a panel of industry experts, with the winners announced in November. The ceremony will take place on December 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, cementing their places in history.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its establishment in 2008, the Women in Poker Hall of Fame has sought to celebrate the achievements of women in the poker industry. The hall currently honors 25 remarkable women who have shaped the game, including legends such as Linda Johnson and Jennifer Tilly. The Class of 2024 is poised to join these elite ranks, contributing to a rich legacy that continues to inspire women in poker around the globe.
This is an exciting moment in poker history, as we celebrate the impactful contributions of women to the game and look forward to the next chapter in this ongoing narrative. As the votes are cast and the final nominees prepare for induction, the thrill of anticipation builds in the poker community. Who will become the next legends honored in the Women in Poker Hall of Fame?