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The Women’s Winter Festival at the Hippodrome has brought together women from all walks of life, united by their love of poker

Among the competitors this year was Grosvenor Poker Pro Katie Swift, a familiar name on the British tournament circuit, who was joined by both her mother, Susan O’Connor, and her sister.

From Satellites to the Hippodrome

“I actually qualified online for the Women’s Winter Festival,” says O’Connor. “I was one of the online qualifiers, and I got in for just $11! It was such a small investment, but I managed to win my seat. The hotel, the tickets—it was all covered!”

“It’s an affordable way to play at bigger events without the pressure of putting down big buy-ins”

Both Swift and O’Connor had also recently participated in a live satellite tournament in Malta, where they each won seats to play in the Women’s Winter Festival.

“The satellites are a great way to get involved,” says Swift. “It’s an affordable way to play at bigger events without the pressure of putting down big buy-ins. We’ve had so many fun experiences, from online satellites to live events in Malta. It’s a family affair, for sure!”

Making Poker Accessible for All Women

One of the most exciting aspects of the Women’s Winter Festival, according to Swift, is the accessibility it offers to recreational players.

“I’ve always been a big advocate for satellites," she said. “It makes your money go further, and it helps you build your bankroll in a way that reduces the pressure when you’re playing. Plus, it’s more affordable and realistic for those who want to play but don’t want to risk a lot.”

“I was a bit nervous about whether they’d get enough runners for the satellite on Thursday night,” said O’Connor. “But they exceeded expectations, with over 150 entries and 20 seats up for grabs. And these weren’t small buy-ins—they were for £400 seats, with a £40 buy-in!

“The fact that they reached over 150 entries shows how much interest there is and how many women want to get involved.”

Building Community and Celebrating Women in Poker

Another major highlight for Swift is the incredible sense of community surrounding the event.

“It’s fantastic to see so many women coming together to play,” she said. “The PokerStars team, the Hippodrome, and people like Kerryjane Craigie (pictured) have really worked hard to make this event happen. It’s not just about the poker; it’s about creating opportunities for women in the game, whether you’re a pro or a recreational player.”

“It’s not just about competing; it’s about creating a comfortable, inclusive environment for everyone”

Swift emphasized that events like this are helping to build a network of women in poker. “I’ve got a WhatsApp group with over 100 women poker players, and we’ve been buzzing about this event for months. To see it come to life is amazing. This event is still in its early stages, but you can feel the excitement and energy. It’s wonderful.”

The timing, structure and support involved have all been considered, says Swift.

“They’ve really thought about the safety aspect and made sure women feel welcome. It’s not just about competing; it’s about creating a comfortable, inclusive environment for everyone.”

O’Connor managed to make it through Day 1b yesterday, with a stack of 54,000 and will be flying the flag for the family on Day 2 at the Hippodrome Casino.

Based in the United Kingdom, Will started working for PokerNews as a freelance live reporter in 2015 and joined the full-time staff in 2019. He now works as Managing Editor. He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German. He also holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.

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