The Women’s Winter Festival at the Hippodrome Casino in London has drawn poker players from all over the globe, each bringing their unique energy and passion to the inaugural event. It's resulted in the Main Event being the largest women's event in history outside of Vegas.
It’s a celebration of women in poker, that unites female poker players from around the world. Here we take a look at some of the women who have traveled from far and wide to play in the event.
Nikki Limo was initially unsure about whether or not to make the journey to the Women’s Winter Festival.
"Traveling so much, I wasn’t sure if I had it in me," says Limo. "But then I thought, it’s London, and that’s cool. Plus, my brother lives in the Isle of Man, and I haven’t seen him in two years—so we decided to play 50/50 together."
Limo, a California native, is no stranger to ladies' events, but the Women's Winter Festival holds a special place for her. "I’ve played ladies’ events before, but a whole ladies’ festival? That’s never been done, and that’s really cool," she says. The atmosphere has lived up to her expectations. "The women here are awesome, and I love that they have personalities and attitude. I like attitude!" Limo’s playful energy is a perfect fit for the banter-filled tables of the festival.
Although she's far from home, Limo feels right at ease in the company of familiar faces. "It’s a foreign land, but it doesn’t feel as out of place as it could," she reflects. "I’m just blown away by the venue. The architecture, the history—it’s incredible. We don’t have that on the West Coast of the U.S. where I grew up. Everything is new and made of cardboard in Vegas!"
For Caitlin Comeskey, traveling to London for the Women’s Winter Festival has been a dream come true. "It’s been a phenomenal experience so far," she says, smiling.
"I haven’t been to Europe since I was a child, so just getting to hop the pond is incredible."
Coming to London for the festival has allowed Comeskey to experience the charm of the city and the historic venue that is the Hippodrome.
"The Hippodrome has so much character and culture," she marvels. "It’s so different from any other casino I’ve ever played in."
What really excites Comeskeyis the sense of community around the festival.
"Kerryjane Craigie and the team have just put on a phenomenal event to uplift this community," she says. "There’s so much enthusiasm around it. The satellite last night was off the charts—everyone was so excited to play and socialize. And to be part of a ladies' event with this kind of prize pool? It’s rare.
"There will only be a handful of women’s events with this kind of prize pool." Comeskey couldn’t be more elated to be a part of it all.
Kyna England has never been to London—or even the UK—before, but she’s already loving the experience.
"It’s a great time," she says with enthusiasm. "I’ve found myself playing mostly ladies’ events lately because they’re fun. I enjoy them."
Despite the long distance, England was eager to travel for the Women’s Winter Festival. "It’s a great event, and I’m really glad I got the opportunity to come."
For England, ladies' events are about more than just competition.
"There’s a lot of camaraderie," she explains. "It’s always very nice and cordial. It’s less intimidating, especially for newer players like me. I appreciate having an event like this. I’m not saying ladies' events are a necessity, but they’re really nice to have, and it’s something I really appreciate."
Gabi Lozada has spent the past three months road-tripping across the U.S., documenting her travels on her Instagramand playing poker to fund her travels. Along the way, she found herself in Maryland, where she played in a ladies’ event organized by the Poker League of Nations.
"When we were two at the table, the chip leader offered to give me the trip if we agreed to chop," Lozada recalls. "I wasn’t aware we were playing for a trip! I accepted, and a few weeks later, I was flying to London, feeling extremely lucky and blessed."
"I usually play cash games back in New Hampshire, but I’ve cashed in small tournaments in Vegas and won a LIPS event last year in Nashua," Lozada shares. "Now, I’m moving to California to work in film."
For Lozada, the experience in London has been more than just about poker. "The staff here is really nice, and it’s so gratifying to see so many women playing," she says. "It’s a great atmosphere."
