The Girls’s Winter Pageant on the Hippodrome On line casino in London has drawn poker gamers from all around the globe, every bringing their distinctive power and fervour to the inaugural occasion. It is resulted within the Primary Occasion being the most important ladies’s occasion in historical past exterior of Vegas.
It’s a celebration of ladies in poker, that unites feminine poker gamers from world wide. Right here we check out a number of the ladies who’ve traveled from far and extensive to play within the occasion.
Nikki Limo
Nikki Limo was initially uncertain about whether or not or to not make the journey to the Girls’s Winter Pageant.
“Touring a lot, I wasn’t certain if I had it in me,” says Limo. “However then I believed, it’s London, and that’s cool. Plus, my brother lives within the Isle of Man, and I haven’t seen him in two years—so we determined to play 50/50 collectively.”
Limo, a California native, isn’t any stranger to women’ occasions, however the Girls’s Winter Pageant holds a particular place for her. “I’ve performed women’ occasions earlier than, however a complete women’ competition? That’s by no means been executed, and that’s actually cool,” she says. The ambiance has lived as much as her expectations. “The ladies listed here are superior, and I really like that they’ve personalities and perspective. I like perspective!” Limo’s playful power is an ideal match for the banter-filled tables of the competition.
Though she’s removed from dwelling, Limo feels proper comfortable within the firm of acquainted faces. “It’s a international land, but it surely doesn’t really feel as misplaced because it might,” she displays. “I’m simply blown away by the venue. The structure, the historical past—it’s unbelievable. We don’t have that on the West Coast of the U.S. the place I grew up. Every little thing is new and fabricated from cardboard in Vegas!”
Caitlin Comeskey
For Caitlin Comeskey, touring to London for the Girls’s Winter Pageant has been a dream come true. “It’s been an outstanding expertise thus far,” she says, smiling.
“I haven’t been to Europe since I used to be a toddler, so simply attending to hop the pond is unbelievable.”
Coming to London for the competition has allowed Comeskey to expertise the appeal of the town and the historic venue that’s the Hippodrome.
“The Hippodrome has a lot character and tradition,” she marvels. “It’s so completely different from another on line casino I’ve ever performed in.”
What actually excites Comeskeyis the sense of group across the competition.
“Kerryjane Craigie and the workforce have simply placed on an outstanding occasion to uplift this group,” she says. “There’s a lot enthusiasm round it. The satellite tv for pc final night time was off the charts—everybody was so excited to play and socialize. And to be a part of a women’ occasion with this sort of prize pool? It’s uncommon.
“There’ll solely be a handful of ladies’s occasions with this sort of prize pool.” Comeskey couldn’t be extra elated to be part of all of it.
Kyna England
Kyna England has by no means been to London—and even the UK—earlier than, however she’s already loving the expertise.
“It’s a good time,” she says with enthusiasm. “I’ve discovered myself enjoying largely women’ occasions currently as a result of they’re enjoyable. I get pleasure from them.”
Regardless of the lengthy distance, England was wanting to journey for the Girls’s Winter Pageant. “It’s a terrific occasion, and I’m actually glad I obtained the chance to come back.”
For England, women’ occasions are about extra than simply competitors.
“There’s plenty of camaraderie,” she explains. “It’s at all times very good and cordial. It’s much less intimidating, particularly for newer gamers like me. I admire having an occasion like this. I’m not saying women’ occasions are a necessity, however they’re very nice to have, and it’s one thing I actually admire.”
Gabi Lozada
Gabi Lozada has spent the previous three months road-tripping throughout the U.S., documenting her travels on her Instagramand enjoying poker to fund her travels. Alongside the way in which, she discovered herself in Maryland, the place she performed in a women’ occasion organized by the Poker League of Nations.
“Once we have been two on the desk, the chip chief provided to provide me the journey if we agreed to cut,” Lozada recollects. “I wasn’t conscious we have been enjoying for a visit! I accepted, and some weeks later, I used to be flying to London, feeling extraordinarily fortunate and blessed.”
“I normally play money video games again in New Hampshire, however I’ve cashed in small tournaments in Vegas and gained a LIPS occasion final yr in Nashua,” Lozada shares. “Now, I’m shifting to California to work in movie.”
For Lozada, the expertise in London has been extra than simply about poker. “The employees right here is very nice, and it’s so gratifying to see so many ladies enjoying,” she says. “It’s a terrific ambiance.”