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The All-Time Best Canadian Women Poker Players

Known for its spectacular Niagara Falls, delicious maple syrup, and iconic hockey, Canada also boasts a number of exceptionally talented female poker players. Gambling has deep roots in this country, dating back to the mid-15th century. The Canadian Criminal Code, established in 1892, permitted gambling under specific regulations. By the early 1900s, due to relatively lenient laws, gambling became increasingly popular in Canada, paving the way for more female professional poker players to emerge.

Below is a list showcasing some of the most distinguished female poker players Canada has ever seen.

Kristen Bicknell

Kristen Bicknell

At just 34 years old, Kristen Bicknell has established herself as a leading figure in the poker community. She clinched her first World Series of Poker bracelet with a winning purse of $173,922 and notably secured $290,768 at a $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em bounty event in 2016. By 2020, she earned her second bracelet, bringing her total tournament earnings to an impressive $5,434,472.

According to PokerNews, Bicknell, hailing from Ontario, was introduced to poker during her freshman year at university. She described a sudden obsession with the game that began that night. With a strong support system of family and friends, she remains steadfastly driven to excel in poker. Bicknell believes that maintaining good health positively impacts her performance at the poker table.

Xuan Liu

Xuan Liu

In the second position on our list is Xuan Liu, another accomplished poker player from Ontario who has made waves in the poker circuit. Notable milestones in her career include a third-place finish at the 2011 European Poker Tour Main Event, where she earned €360,000, and a sixth-place finish at the 2012 $1,500 Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo tournament, netting $29,985. Currently, she serves as a coach at Poker Power.

Similar to Kristen Bicknell, Liu discovered her passion for poker while studying at the University of Waterloo. She began her poker journey online before stepping on to the live tournament scene in 2007, but it wasn't until 2010 that she fully committed to the game.

Isabelle Mercier

Isabelle Mercier

Next up is Isabelle Mercier, a prominent figure among female poker players. Known for her aggressive playing style, she won the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational in 2004 and is currently a member of Team PokerStars, with total earnings of $834,683.

This talented player from Quebec embarked on her professional poker career prior to the two previously mentioned players. After obtaining a law degree from the University of Montreal, she relocated to France for further studies, where she took on the role of a poker room manager at the renowned Aviation Club de France.

Kara Scott

Kara Scott

Scott, who serves as an ambassador for 888Poker, is well-regarded in the poker domain for both her public presence and her skill as a player. She notably secured a second-place finish in the Irish Open and is distinguished as the only woman to cash in both the 2008 and 2009 World Series of Poker Main Events, accumulating total live earnings of $664,795.

Originally from Calgary, Scott has seen a fair bit of the world. She moved to the UK in 1999, but it wasn’t until 2002 that she initially ventured into the poker scene through media work. She currently resides in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Carla Sabini

Carla Sabini

There's not much public information available about Carla Sabini’s personal life, but she is recognized as a skilled poker player from Montreal. Ranking fifth on our list, she has managed to amass $559,415 in live tournament earnings and currently holds the 163rd position on the Canada All-Time Money List. Her unique style of play makes her a challenging competitor.

Louise Francoeur

Louise Francoeur

Similarly, very little is known about Louise Francoeur's background, yet she is a remarkable poker player from Montreal. Currently sitting at 161st on the Canada All-Time Money List, she has earned $644,219 in live tournaments, with her largest cash amounting to $49,108, which she won at the $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event Championship, securing the 142nd position.

Evelyn Ng

Evelyn Ng

Coming in at number seven is Evelyn Ng, who hails from Toronto. She gained recognition for her impressive second-place finish in the World Poker Tour Ladies Night Event in 2003. Furthermore, she earned $73,230 during the $25,000 + 500 WPT Championship No-Limit Hold'em event in Las Vegas in 2006. As of 2010, her total winnings stand at $377,191.

Ng began her gambling journey at the young age of 14, starting with pool games for money, and by the age of 17, she transitioned to card games. Eventually, she also took on roles as a dealer in blackjack and poker.

Darlene Lee

Darlene Lee

Darlene Lee, who comes from Vancouver, has enjoyed a successful poker career filled with impressive rankings. While she has yet to win a World Series of Poker bracelet, she is well-respected within the Canadian poker scene. Notably, in 2016, she placed 39th at the 47th Annual $1,500 Summer Solstice No-Limit Hold'em event.

Her highest earnings so far were achieved at the 2014 World Series of Poker, where she took home $52,141. Quite an achievement!

Thi Hoa Nguyen

Thi Hoa Nguyen

Ranking ninth on our list is Thi Hoa Nguyen, also from Toronto. Like Darlene, she has not yet won a WSOP bracelet, but she has made her mark with a total of $301,501 in live tournament earnings.

Nguyen has gained recognition for her strategic approach to poker while advocating for greater female representation in the game, encouraging more women to engage in poker.

Gillian Epp

Gillian Epp

Finally, born in Vancouver, Gillian Epp rounds out our list of notable female poker players. Emerging as a rising talent in the poker realm, she chose to leave her traditional job to engage in high-stakes games in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Although her total earnings may not surpass others on this list yet, she is steadily climbing the ranks. Once she recognized that poker could support her love for travel, she devoted herself to improving her skills, even working as a poker dealer to deepen her understanding of the game.

Currently, she contributes to various poker magazines as a writer.

Other Famous Players

The gambling sector attracts many enthusiasts, and while only a few achieve top ranking, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of other professional female poker players, including Vanessa Kade, Annie Duke, and participants in the WSOP main event. These players not only showcase considerable skill but also deliver remarkable results.

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Statistics on Canadian Female Poker Players

Whether you're looking to enter tournaments or want to learn more about the outstanding records and earnings of Canada’s top female poker players, we've gathered essential data for you. Delve into a treasure trove of facts, statistics, and captivating insights into the realm of women in poker!

  1. Canada currently boasts over 1,000 registered female poker players.

  2. A significant portion of Canadian female poker players, approximately 60%, are in the age range of 25 to 34.

  3. More than half (55%) of notable Canadian female poker players are based in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

  4. Around 30% of female poker players in Canada hold university degrees.

  5. On average, Canadian female poker players earn approximately $50,000 annually.

  6. Around 40% of female poker players in Canada are self-employed.

  7. Texas Hold'em is the most favored poker variant among Canadian female players, with 60% preferring this game.

  8. Over 80% of Canadian female poker players engage in online poker.

  9. On average, Canadian women players dedicate around 4 hours per week to playing poker.

  10. Each month, female poker players in Canada tend to spend about $200 on the game.

Online Casinos as an Alternative

Although many poker events focus on professional male and female players, casual players can explore other options. online casinos . Operators provide players with varied casino games and even enjoy bonus promotions that give an extra edge. Here are several compelling reasons to try online poker:

  • Players can take part in exciting real-money games catering to every taste, including a variety of poker games (such as Omaha, No Limit Hold'em, and more). video poker , etc.).
  • Online casinos offer bonuses that can enhance your bankroll. Among these bonus promotions, you’ll find welcome offers and other enticing options. free spins , free chips for poker games, reload bonuses , and more.
  • Upon making a deposit, every wager you place contributes loyalty points to your account. This is part of a loyalty scheme that rewards you as you reach new tiers.
  • You can access poker on all mobile devices, from tablets to smartphones, with all online casino features and games available through the casino's website or mobile application.

Conclusion

Canadian female poker players have demonstrated their capability to win significant sums of money in poker, proving their status as professionals in the field. They regularly compete in prestigious poker events held in Italy, Macau, Monte Carlo, and St. Catharines, GPI, among other locations worldwide. If you're interested in exploring women's poker more thoroughly, consider attending notable tournaments like Supernova Elite, GGPoker, Ladies' Night I, PartyPoker, and Full Tilt Poker. When planning to engage in female poker events, it's wise to check the entry fees and confirm the rules to ensure proper preparation. Alternatively, starting with an array of online poker games can help you begin winning real money.

Alan Kendall
Expert Writer
The City of Liverpool College
Bringing together expertise in data communication and interactive media technologies, this involves a concentration on commercial advertising, online marketing, and digital media.
Expert in:
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Fact checked by Chief Editor:
Gerda Grinova

Alan Kendall

Who are the most accomplished female poker players from Canada?

The most successful Canadian female poker players include Kristen Bicknell, Xuan Liu, Kara Scott, and Jennifer Shahade, all of whom rank among the globe's top players and have accumulated millions in earnings throughout their careers.

What are the most significant victories achieved by top Canadian female poker players?

The largest winnings by Canadian female poker players surpass the million-dollar milestone, with Kristen Bicknell having over $5 million in live tournament earnings and Kara Scott nearing $1 million.

How can female players effectively succeed in poker?

To achieve success in poker, particularly for female players, the most effective approach entails acquiring knowledge and honing skills through practice. Since success heavily relies on a player's expertise, it is vital to learn various strategies and consistently apply them during gameplay.

What do you think is the primary obstacle faced by female poker players in the current scene?

Considering that poker largely hinges on skill, the key challenge lies in truly mastering the intricacies of the game. Moreover, female players often face the additional hurdle of gender bias, given that poker has traditionally been seen as a male-centric activity. Nevertheless, the increasing participation of women in poker is gradually transforming it into a more welcoming space.

How well are female poker players from Canada performing?

Canadian women in poker have attained notable accomplishments and successes within their careers. For instance, Kristen Bicknell has made headlines with her impressive $5 million winnings, while Xuan Liu has also secured over $2 million in earnings.

How is poker gaining traction among women in Canada?

The interest in poker is steadily rising among female players in Canada. Currently, there are more than 1,000 women actively playing poker across the country. Notably, a significant portion, around 60%, of these players falls within the younger demographic, specifically aged between 25 and 34.

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