From October 24 to 26, the World Poker Federation (WPF), through its Women’s Committee, will host the first-ever WPF Ladies Weekend, a simultaneous women’s poker tournament taking place in more than 15 cities worldwide. For the first time, women from different countries will gather during the same weekend to celebrate, compete, and strengthen their role in poker, both at and beyond the tables.
More than a competition, the WPF Ladies Weekend represents a cultural and sporting milestone. It is an international movement that combines poker tournaments with educational, social, and cultural activities, reinforcing women’s presence in the global poker scene and connecting players, leaders, and communities.
A global tournament across multiple cities
The WPF Ladies Weekend will be hosted in Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United States, with more locations to be announced soon. Each stop will be organized in partnership with national federations, local associations, and leading venues, ensuring strong ties with the community.
In Brazil, the Host will be Luana Borges, President of the WPF Women’s Committee and one of the most influential voices in Latin American poker. The Brazilian stop will take place at the H2 Poker Club in São Paulo, the largest club in the region, in partnership with the Brazilian Confederation of Texas Hold’em (CBTH).
Other confirmed venues include Resorts World Las Vegas (USA), Monte Casino Sofia (Bulgaria), the Asia Poker Arena in Taiwan, and the CT Poker Room in Cape Town (South Africa).
Beyond the tournament
Each stop will go beyond poker tables. During the WPF Ladies Weekend, participants will experience workshops and lectures on strategy, leadership, and the poker industry, networking opportunities with leading women players and professionals, social initiatives connected to local causes, and cultural activities highlighting the identity of each host country. This unique combination makes the WPF Ladies Weekend a complete experience, linking sport, learning, and celebration.
The United States as a showcase
In the United States, leadership is entrusted to Lupe Soto, one of the most influential figures in women’s poker globally. Founder of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame and several international initiatives, Lupe brings decades of experience in creating opportunities for women in the game. Under her guidance, the WPF Ladies Weekend will feature stops in states such as California, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Texas South.
“Seeing women from all over the world come together in one weekend to celebrate poker is truly inspiring. The WPF Ladies Weekend showcases talent, leadership, and impact, creating connections that will resonate far beyond the tables,” says Lupe Soto, Director of Development for the Women’s Committee and Host of the U.S. stops.
Example of programming – Nevada (Las Vegas)
The Nevada stop will be held at Resorts World Las Vegas, one of the most iconic casinos on the Strip. The program includes:
Friday, October 24: satellites, Welcome Mixer, and opening tournament
Saturday, October 25: Main Event Day 1
Sunday, October 26: Golden Hour Coffee & Chat, Main Event restart, and closing tournament
This structure will be mirrored in other stops, combining tournaments with social events and networking.
Voices of the movement
“The WPF Ladies Weekend reflects exactly what we stand for: breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and amplifying the voices of women in poker. This event is the beginning of a long-term commitment to building a global network where women can lead, inspire, and shape the future of the game,” says Luana Borges, President of the WPF Women’s Committee and Host of the Brazilian stop.
In Europe, Maureen Bloechlinger, Head of Europe for the Women’s Committee, plays a central role. Her mission is to consolidate women’s poker across the continent, ensuring that female representation grows stronger year after year.
The role of the WPF Women’s Committee
The WPF Women’s Committee is the driving force behind the WPF Ladies Weekend. Created to promote inclusion and leadership, the Committee organizes initiatives, events, and educational programs that strengthen women’s presence in both competitive poker and the wider industry. The WPF Ladies Weekend is its most ambitious project to date, uniting local efforts into a global celebration.
An annual event
The WPF Ladies Weekend debuts in 2025 with the clear intention of becoming an annual event, expanding its reach to more countries and communities each year. The goal is to provide women worldwide with increased access to the game, opportunities for development, and a global support network through poker.
More information
👉 https://worldpokerfederation.org/womens-committee/ladies_weekend_2025/
Learn more about the WPF Women’s Committee:
👉 https://worldpokerfederation.org/womens-committee/