Man Pays $10k to Enter Women's WSOP Event

(Photo: Azartnews.com)

Nevada gaming law does not allow men to be completely excluded from playing in the WSOP Ladies only event, even if the tournament organizers hope only women enter it. Whilst most men stay away from the event and allow the ladies event to go ahead undisturbed, for reasons only known to themselves, some men cannot resist the temptation to gain a bit of coverage and make a stand against the inference they should not enter by buying in and competing.

This is usually frowned upon by the participants and the organizers but we all know when someone says “you can’t do that!” and it transpires that you can do it, people do it no matter what it is! With this in mind the WSOP had a cool trick up their sleeve. In 2013 they made the event a $10,000 buy-in, but women receive a 90% discount! This meant the ladies event is essentially $1000 for them to play and whilst they cannot stop a man entering, they will need to pay a $10,000 in order to do so. For that price, why not just play the main event?

Since the rule was introduced, this has mitigated the effect of men registering and trying to promote themselves or make a political point. When a man enters, it spoils the intention of the tournament which aims to allow women to play for a bracelet in a women’s only environment. Whilst us men hope women play in open events too and we hope they are welcomed at the table at all times, there is no denying the pull of such an event as 819 participants entered the event, creating a prize pool of $745,200 and 123 money spots.

This year one man did stump up the entire $10,000 and sit down to play. His name is Tony Roberto. Tony is from Florida and is already well-known on the poker circuit. He has enjoyed a measure of success, winning over $2 million dollars in his lifetime. Tony said that he entered the event because he stood to make a ton of money from side bets, but unfortunately his tournament life was cut short and he did not make money.

Roberto said of his experience and his reasons for entering the event:

My personal view on this is that whilst the laws might not allow full restrictions on what gender can enter the event, it is better to let women play the Ladies Championships without men entering.

You only need look at the fact that 819 entrants, 99% of which were women, played the event and then look at how many of them chose not to play in any other event. Why is this? It cannot be because they are worse players, most women are excellent poker players. Poker needs to continue to encourage more women to get involved so it is for this reason I support men leaving the event alone and providing a welcome atmosphere to encourage women to participants in open bracelet events. I know better than most that wherever you get the opportunity for people to make a political stand they will take that opportunity regardless of almost any consequence, alienation, or negative coverage they receive. They enjoy the attention, but I hope men reflect on the reasons a ladies event exists and leave them to it.

This story somewhat overtook the coverage of the results. When the dust settled, some of the more familiar names to make the money were Vanessa Selbst, who finished in 23rd position and Amanda Musumeci, who finished 5th. In the end the event was won by Courtney Kennedy in what is her first significant cash in a large poker tournament. She won $149,108 and her first bracelet. Congratulations to her!