Women of Poker: Personal Journeys and Big Dreams at the Women's Winter Festival
It's the second day of action at the PokerStars Women's Winter Festival at the Hippodrome Casino in central London, and while the first champion has already crowned, with Charlie Waters taking down the High Roller title, there are plenty of other women in action for Day 1b of the Main Event.
The festival has attracted a diverse group of talented women, each with their own unique stories and backgrounds.
Here PokerNews takes a look at some of the women taking part in the inaugural festival.
Teresa Newton — From Pub Poker to the Big Leagues
For Teresa Newton, poker started as a casual hobby with her partner. But her journey has taken a remarkable turn since then. Newton, who won her way into the Women's Winter Festival through an online qualifier, describes it as "a massive achievement"—especially considering that online poker isn't her usual domain.
“I don’t play online at all,” Newton told PokerNews. “I started playing in pub poker with my partner and then began traveling to poker events across England.”
A member of the Hippodrome Ladies Club for over a year, Newton credits the club with providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, helping her improve her skills and make lasting connections.
"It’s a great way to find out about upcoming events," she says. "Kerryjane Craigie is really supportive to all the ladies, and the mix of abilities and knowledge has really helped me grow."
PokerStars Ambassador Craigie on "Encouraging the Doubters" in Women's Poker
Ilana Belsky — The Diamond Cutter Who Studied Hard
Forget about hearts, clubs and spades — for Ilana Belsky it's all about diamonds.
Belsky, who is also one of the last remaining diamond cutters in the UK and runs her own jewelry brand, discovered poker through watching it on TV. And while most people start their poker journey by at least playing some actual poker, Belsky took a different route.
"I'm probably quite unusual," Belsky says with a laugh. "I was studying GTO before I'd even played a hand of poker."
Intrigued, she dove into learning the game, quickly applying her new knowledge to the tables. Her hard work paid off: “My first tournament, I loved it, and when I went back the following week, I came second.”
As one of the original members of the Hippodrome Ladies Poker Club, Belsky is now focused on expanding her poker career and plans to travel across Europe in 2025 with her poker-playing partner, Callum Gordon.
Lydia Cugudda — Hippodrome Ambassador at Home at Women's Winter Festival
Lydia Cugudda says she's always had an affinity for the Hippodrome.
"I had my biggest live score here in 2013," she said. "It was heads-up against Jake Cody in a UKIPT event!"
Now a Hippodrome Ambassador, Cugudda said she couldn’t help but smile as she reflected on the incredible company she’s kept at the tables.
“When you sit down at a table with the likes of Georgina James and Vanessa Kade, how can you not smile?" she said. "I was worried that the High Roller might be a bit more serious, but even at this level, the atmosphere was still fun and lively.”
Though the poker didn’t go as planned, Cugudda had a blast. “The game didn’t go how I wanted, but I laughed a lot. It’s always nice to be in a competitive yet relaxed environment.”
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Lisa Thumm — A Newcomer with Poker in Her Blood
Lisa Thumm is a fresh face in the poker world, having only started playing a few months ago. But she already has a strong poker pedigree: her brother, Niclas Thumm, made a name for himself by reaching the final table of the 2023 PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship in the Bahamas, finishing in an impressive sixth place.
I want to encourage other women to be confident and start playing
Despite being relatively new to the game, Thumm has quickly become passionate about poker.
"I’m definitely getting more and more into the game," she says. “I’m studying a lot and getting more experience. I would love to see more women at the tables, and I want to encourage other women to be confident and start playing.”
Thumm has already set her sights on a number of live stops, and she’s eager to continue building her poker career, starting at the Women's Winter Festival.
"It's been a great experience so far. Well-organized, amazing atmosphere and great support for women from PokerStars, just making everyone feel welcomed and empowered."
Georgina "GJReggie" James — The Ambassador Who's All About the Fun
Georgina James, known by her poker nickname “GJReggie,” is thrilled to be part of the Women's Winter Festival, especially because of the vibrant, friendly atmosphere. "It’s so awesome to walk into a poker room and see tables full of women competing and having a great time," she says. "It’s been really lively and chatty—like one big home game.”
"Everyone’s so friendly and welcoming, and I’m excited to be here"
For James, the event is about more than just the competition. It’s about connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. “It’s been so nice to catch up with friends I haven’t seen in a while and meet so many new people,” she says. "Everyone’s so friendly and welcoming, and I’m excited to be here.”
With her sights set on the "beautiful" Main Event trophy, James is ready to give her best effort and have fun while doing so.
