The Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHoF) just got a little brighter with the announcement of its Class of 2024. Kristen Foxen and Jeanne David, two standout figures from very different corners of the poker world, are set to be celebrated in style next month, in an upcoming ceremony at Las Vegas’s Plaza Hotel and Casino on December 11th. Joining them as the first Pioneer Inductee is the late Starla Brodie, remembered for her groundbreaking achievements in the early days of the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
The Women in Poker Hall of Fame, founded in 2008, has long served as a beacon, shining a spotlight on the women whose skills and dedication have shaped poker’s landscape. With the induction of Foxen and David, the Hall will boast 27 distinguished members, each leaving their own unique mark on the game. Here’s a closer look at these new poker honorees and the journeys that brought them to the Hall.
Kristen Foxen: Record-Breaking Champion
Kristen Foxen’s rise in poker is nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from Canada, Foxen has steadily built a career that boasts over $8 million in live earnings, according to The Hendon Mob. She solidified her status as the most decorated woman in WSOP history in October 2024 by capturing her fifth WSOP bracelet, a feat that places her at the pinnacle of women’s achievements in the game.
Foxen’s first WSOP bracelet came in the Women’s Event in 2013, kicking off a journey that has seen her dominate both live and online circuits. From final tables in the World Poker Tour to high-stakes battles on the European Poker Tour, Foxen has remained a force at the felt.
Beyond her accolades, Foxen’s presence is known to challenge stereotypes, proving time and again that talent and determination know no bounds.
Jeanne David: Advocate for Responsible Gaming
Jeanne David may not be a name splashed across headlines, but her impact on the poker world is profound. David is a trusted figure in Las Vegas card rooms and a respected advocate for player well-being, drawing on her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus on addiction. Her role as Responsible Gaming Manager for PokerStars saw her champion responsible gaming practices and support players across the globe.
David’s influence didn’t stop there; she played a vital part in the push to legalize and regulate online poker in states like Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. Her advocacy behind the scenes has helped shape a safer, more regulated environment for poker players, making her induction into WiPHoF a well-deserved recognition of her invaluable contributions.
Starla Brodie: Honoring a Pioneer
Long before poker had online streaming and tournament superstars, there was Starla Brodie, a true trailblazer with a story worth sharing. Back in 1979, Starla made poker history when she became the first woman to take down an open-field event at the WSOP, joining forces with Doyle Brunson to win the Mixed Doubles title. And she wasn’t done – years later, she came back to claim her second bracelet in 1995 in the Women’s Seven Card Stud event.
It’s only fitting that Starla is now the very first inductee in the WiPHoF’s new Pioneer category, meant to honor those who paved the way before poker had the spotlight it does today. Starla’s journey shows how gutsy women were making moves at the tables long before poker’s boom, setting an example of courage and skill that today’s players still look up to.
The Women in Poker Hall of Fame Selection Process
The journey to the WiPHoF isn’t an easy one. This year’s selection began with public nominations in September, which resulted in a competitive list of eight finalists: Kristen Foxen, Jeanne David, Liv Boeree, Jamie Kerstetter, Kara Scott, Rebecca McAdam Willetts, Annette Obrestad, and Jennifer Shahade.
A vote by existing WiPHoF members and selected poker media narrowed the field, ultimately selecting Foxen and David as this year’s honorees.
English