Michelle Chin Makes WSOP Circuit History

Overcoming a field of 235, Michelle Chin did something no other woman has ever done - win a WSOP Circuit Main Event.

With a prize pool of $352,500 up for grabs and competing in roughly her tenth live tournament, Chin secured the title and her place in poker history by disposing of runner-up Mike Lang ($54,468). In the process, the Taiwanese native took home the first place prize of $88,126.

That home happens to be in Wichita, Kansas after Chin came to the U.S. from her home country a dozen years ago. The new champion told WSOP.com that she considers herself a recreational player. She may want to reconsider and make the transition to professional in light of her 2015 results that include a victory a few months ago in the WSOP Circuit Choctaw Ladies event.

Chin's history-making title was won in Council Bluffs, Iowa where she eliminated the last three players in her way in under an hour. Jesse Wilke, a Circuit Main Event champ in Lake Tahoe, took home 4th place and $29,317 after being bested by Chin. Michael Sanders moved all-in pre-flop against the new lady champ and earned a payday of $39,642 when his hand was second-best.

"It's just awesome to make history," Chin said after claiming the title. "It means a lot to me."

The win allows Chin to take a seat at the National Championship July 29-31 in Cherokee, North Carolina. While that event may prompt Chin to re-evaluate her desired status as a casual player, she hopes to lead by example when it comes to attracting other ladies to the game.

"There aren't too many women in the poker community," Chin stated. "We like to see more and more women play because it is a fun game. No matter what sex you are you should be able to enjoy it. I hope I encourage a lot of other girls to come out and play."

We're with you on that, Michelle. Congratulations on becoming the first female to win a ring in a WSOP Circuit Main Event!

Photo: wsop.com