WSOP 2026: Significant Wins for Women, But Challenges Persist

This edition of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2026 witnessed significant achievements for women in the world of poker. Kristen Foxen won Event #19: $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold'em, becoming the first woman to earn a bracelet in an open event since Leo Margets in 2021. Foxen remarked, "I am motivated to do this and hope to inspire other women."

Notable Achievements by Kristen Foxen and Michelle Chin

Another standout player was Michelle Chin, who won her first bracelet by conquering Event #58: $1,500 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw. Chin had already made history eleven years ago by becoming the first woman to win a Main Event on the WSOP Circuit. However, despite her success, Chin emphasized the need for improvement in the poker environment for women, highlighting inappropriate language still used at the tables.

Michelle Chin stated: "There are very few women playing, and I don’t blame them. Poker is not the best environment for them."

Chin addressed the need for a cultural shift at the tables. Comments like "You play like a girl" reflect bigger issues that affect the female poker community.

Highlighted Events: Ladies Championship and the Impact of Skye Chen

The 2026 Ladies Championship attracted a record 1,368 participants, offering one of the most exciting finals of the summer. Skye Chen took home the victory but expressed doubts about her participation in the Main Event, promising to improve and come back stronger.

Aubrey Williams, who finished second, faced abuse throughout her run. Despite the support from the female audience, the majority of criticism came from the male online crowd. Joe Stapleton, WSOP commentator, faced backlash after his comments on the Ladies Championship, yet he shared a powerful message of inclusion.

The Success of Yanting Jiang and Female Participation in the Main Event

Yanting Jiang also made her mark by winning Event #89: $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship No-Limit Hold'em, taking home $1,159,182, the largest prize of her career. While women did not advance far in the Main Event, with the last female eliminated in 61st place, a record number of 431 women participated, marking significant progress since 2025.

Jen Shahade offered insights on the low probability of no women reaching the final 60, emphasizing the need for more female representation in the finals.

Future Prospects

This summer was a milestone for women in poker, with four bracelets earned in live events and another two online. While victories will be celebrated, the experiences shared by Michelle Chin and Aubrey Williams highlight that the path toward equality in poker is still ongoing.

Success is not always synonymous with equality, and WSOP 2026 underscores both the achievements and areas for improvement for women in poker. The message is clear: while there are advancements, cultural change is necessary.