From the tireless Maria Ho, who redefines professional poker with her persistence and elegance, to the strategic precision of Liv Boeree, and pioneering Barbara Enright, the first woman to sit at the Main Event WSOP final table. Each has something to say. Their quotes are like perfectly timed bluffs —unexpected, strong, and precise. Welcome to the second part of the series, where we continue to explore the wisdom brought by the women who dared to play and win.
Liv Boeree: “You have to learn to lose before you can learn to win”
Liv Boeree is the perfect example that poker is not just about money or trophies. It’s about growth, humility, and the ability to turn losses into lessons. Her quote captures the harsh yet beautiful truth of poker and life itself. The path to the top is paved with mistakes, bad decisions, and unlucky cards, but these are what shape champions. Liv has fully embraced this journey.
Her fourth place at the GGPoker Super Main Event with a $25,000 buy-in and a $2.8 million win is not just a personal record but proof that true talents never forget how to play, they just occasionally take a break. Boeree, who has also delved into science, philosophy, and her podcast Win-Win, is a rare kind of player who combines rational thinking with instinct. Along with her partner Igor Kurganov, she also secured a WSOP bracelet. But during her recent success in Paradise, she completely overshadowed Igor. This time, she went for the victory alone. Liv Boeree reminded us once again that even if she sometimes steps back, her place among the poker elite remains firm.
Maria Ho: “Being good at poker is like being good at anything else: you have to work for it”
Maria Ho is proof that while talent may open doors, only hard work keeps you in the game. For years, she's been among the most renowned and respected women in poker, yet her excellence lies not only in results but in consistency, professionalism, and unwavering ethics. Her quote is clear. Success doesn’t come overnight. Whether it's countless hours studying strategies, observing opponents, or mental resilience in the face of loss, Maria demonstrates that poker is a craft that must be diligently honed.
Her victory in the popular reality show Game of Gold in 2023 only reinforced her status. Not just as a player, but as a personality who captivates even beyond traditional poker circles. Yet Maria hasn't rested on her laurels. Her goal of claiming a coveted WSOP bracelet drives her forward, even though she has long been at the top of tournament rankings. Her unforgettable hand against Sofia Dossi, where she turned seemingly impossible 3% odds on the flop into a win, became a viral sensation and a symbol of what makes Maria exceptional. She never gives up, never loses focus, and always believes that hard work pays off.
Kathy Liebert: “Poker is war. People pretend it’s a game”
Kathy Liebert doesn’t mince words. Her view of poker is straightforward, raw, and precise. For her, it’s not just table fun but a strategic battle involving dominance, courage, and the ability to predict every opponent's move. Her war analogy is more than a metaphor. It's a challenge to take the game seriously, respecting its complexity and unpredictability. Liebert has been fighting this “war” for decades and remains one of the most esteemed personalities on the scene.
As the last woman to reach the final table of the WSOP Main Event, and with countless poker achievements, Kathy has built a reputation as an uncompromising competitor who never gives up. She’s a member of the Women in Poker Hall of Fame, but unlike many legends, she remains actively engaged in tournaments as if her story is still unfolding. Her message? Never underestimate the power of quiet but relentless persistence. Kathy Liebert plays not just for honor and fame but to ensure that every following generation of women players knows they have a place on the poker battlefield.
Poker Icons Who Stand Firm
In the second part of our series, we delved into the minds of more exceptional women whose words, like their games, shape the poker world. Maria Ho, the tireless worker and modern star of Game of Gold, reminded us that success must be earned. Kathy Liebert, on the other hand, mirrored the reality of poker as a ruthless war where only those who can attack and defend prevail. Their experiences are not just inspiring but also practical. And we’re not done yet. In the third and final part, we will meet more players who left a profound mark on poker, like the legendary Barbara Enright. Look forward to more powerful thoughts, unexpected stories, and evidence that poker is about more than just cards; it’s about character.
