Women in Poker Hall of Fame Opens Doors at Binions
The Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHOF) has officially opened its doors at Binion’s Casino in Las Vegas with 4 initial members. The WiPHOF was created by the Ladies International Poker Series (LIPS) and was sponsored by Card Player Magazine.
The WiPHOF was started to recognize the achievements and contributions that female players have had to the poker community and the game itself. Last Saturday the doors were finally opened and the first 4 members were inaugurated in a celebration held at Benny’s Bullpen. The first ladies to be inducted were Barbara Enright, Linda Johnson, Marsha Waggoner, and Susie Isaacs who were welcomed in to the Hall of Fame by World Poker Tour commentator Mike Sexton, and Jan Fisher.
To kick off the launch, the ladies had a $500 buy-in tournament. With much tough competition, the tournament was won by Hall of Fame inductee, Barbara Enright.
It is very difficult to be considered as an inductee to the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. Firstly the lady must have been a poker for at least 15 years prior to their election. They then must have made significant contributions to the poker industry, and support their fellow female poker players by either playing in female only tournaments or at least supporting their existence.
So who are the ladies mentioned above?
Barbara Enright – Over $1 Million in lifetime earnings. Only woman to ever reach the final table of the $10,000 buy-in NL Holdem event at the World Series of Poker. Enright also was the first woman to win a WSOP bracelet after winning the pot-limit hold’em event in 1996. Lastly, she holds two bracelets from the WSOP ladies championship.
Linda Johnson – Known as the “First Lady of Poker”, Johnson is the announcer for the World Poker Tour. She holds one WSOP bracelet, and has contributed to the development of both the Tournament Directors Association and the Poker Players Alliance.
Marsha Waggoner – Marsha has won more than $769,000 playing tournament poker. Originally from Australia, she moved to the United States at the age of 20, and went on to support her family with her career as a poker player.
Susie Isaacs – Isaacs is most well known for winning back-to-back bracelets in the WSOP ladies championship. She has written several poker books and also lectures on the subject.
For more information visit the official Women in Poker Hall of Fame website.
