Kerryjane Craigie: When Women Lead, We All Win
2025 is heating up and Kerryjane Craigie, PokerStars Ambassador and Director of Poker at the Hippodrome Casino is diving deeper into the world of women’s poker events. Exciting events lined up, including the highly anticipated EPT Monte Carlo Women’s Event in May, there’s no shortage of action on the horizon.
Craigie remains dedicated to creating spaces for women to thrive in poker, from the Irish Poker Open to the Malta Poker Festival and Australian Poker Open, where support for female players is stronger than ever. In this blog, she shares the latest updates, upcoming events, and highlights from the vibrant community that continues to inspire and empower women to take their seats at the table and shine in the world of poker.
There’s something incredibly powerful about women coming together, lifting each other up, and making space for one another - especially in environments designed for them.
When women collaborate, doors open. And when one woman asks for a seat at the table, a truly supportive network doesn’t hesitate - they pull up a chair, make room, and say, “Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you. Let’s play!”
The Power of Women’s-Only Poker Events
In women’s-only poker events, this spirit of inclusion and empowerment shines brightest. These gatherings are more than just opportunities to play poker in a safe environment, they are spaces of transformation, where women share knowledge, forge friendships, and inspire each other to elevate their game. The confidence built here is carried into the mixed arena, changing the entire landscape of the game.
When Women Ask, Women Show Up
When a woman reaches out, the response from a thriving community isn’t hesitation, it’s action. That’s exactly what I experienced when putting out a shout for seats into women’s events around the world.
The response? Incredible. Women stepped up and held out their hands laden with offers. That’s what we do when we lead with collaboration, not competition. We know that someone else’s presence doesn’t diminish our own, it strengthens us all.
We say yes. We open doors. We jump in feet first, knowing that together, we’re unstoppable.
A Message to Every Woman in the Game
To every woman making the ask, to every woman making the space - keep going. Keep showing up. Keep saying yes. Because when we uplift one another, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Special Thanks
With heartfelt gratitude to the amazing partners and individuals who are actively making poker more inclusive:
- PokerStars
- Irish Poker Open
- Ivonne Montealegre at Malta Poker Festival
- Lauren Mooney at Australian Poker Open
- Tanya Masters
What’s Next? EPT Monte Carlo!
I’m currently planning my next month of poker adventures, and I’m beyond excited to be popping my EPT Monte Carlo cherry this year! Will you join me at the Women’s Event on May 3rd? No doubt, this one will be truly special.
Women’s Events Getting My Thumbs Up This April
Irish Poker Open
I absolutely cannot wait for this one. The energy and buzz leading up to it are immense! Without a doubt, it’s going to be the noisiest, most fun festival of the year. From personal experience, it’s also a fantastic, welcoming environment for women to play in.
Bonus: the Women’s Event will be streamed on the final day. How’s that for recognition?
Malta Poker Festival
One of my absolute favorite stops of the year and a genuine safe haven for female players. If you’re choosing one overseas, high-value, buy-in festival to attend make this the one.
Australian Poker Open
This one’s a newcomer for me, but I can confidently say it’s earned its spot. The support I’ve seen and the commitment to creating a female-friendly environment put this firmly on the bucket list. If you’re on that side of the world - add it to yours!
