The Women of Poker

Women in poker have always been a draw; for women, it is encouraging to see other women playing, and for men- let's just say they like to have the women around. There were never many women playing the game back before the "poker boom" that followed putting the game on TV and showing the viewing audience hole cards. These days there are a ton of women playing the game, more than ever before, but they remain a minority at the tables. With the recent victory of 18 year old Annette Obestrad at the World Series of Poker Europe, however, that may be about to change.

There were women who were victorious in the game to be sure. Cash games often had a lady or two in the mix that seemed to walk with more than their fair share of the chips. Tournament play, however, seemed to be lacking a strong female presence.

There were some close calls in the main event of the World Series of Poker, and women certainly were winning an event here or there and picking up WSOP bracelets, (check out Jennifer Tilly's profile for her great story) but the major WSOP victory eluded the sex. Until, again, Annette Obestrad.

To be accurate, she did not win the main event of the WSOP. She won A main event, the main event of the WSOP Europe, a brand new thing. It does not take away from her victory, but it is a different animal from the WSOP in America.

Regardless, her victory has sounded the charge for women all around the world (Obestrad hails from Norway) to take their shot, so expect to see a big jump in female attendance at the WSOP and other major events in the coming months and years.

And, for now, check out the pics of Guide To Poker's new Poker Babes section!

(Editor's Note: Betfair Poker signed Annette Obestrad, and you can find here there! You just have to sign up to do so.)