World Poker Federation’s Ladies Weekend Returns to Las Vegas

^{The World Poker Federation’s Ladies Weekend USA returns Oct. 16-18, 2026, with simultaneous events for women poker players across 15 cities worldwide. (Photo: courtesy of World Poker Federation)}

The World Poker Federation (WPF) is holding its second annual Ladies Weekend from Oct. 16-18, bringing women poker players together across 15 cities worldwide, from Las Vegas to Brazil to Nigeria. The event includes coffee chats, lunch-and-learn mentorship sessions, and tournament play, including each venue’s main event.

Events like this one, along with the Women in Poker Spring Festival each April and Ladies Week during the WSOP in June, have become frequent on the poker calendar throughout the year. They create opportunities for women in poker to build friendships, find mentors, and support one another in an industry where women remain underrepresented.

They’re supportive, kind, talented, and collaborative. But don’t mistake the camaraderie for a soft game – they’ll take your money just as easily as anyone else, regardless of gender. Players like Linda Johnson can be a friendly face, but she’s also a Poker Hall of Famer and WSOP bracelet winner who intimidates many players sitting at the table with her.

The World Poker Federation has been instrumental in securing recognition of poker as a mind sport by the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA). They ultimately succeeded in November 2024. The Ladies Weekend is helmed by the WPF Women’s Committee, which focuses on bringing opportunities and inclusivity to the sport.

Where to Join the Action This Weekend

The WPF’s Ladies Weekend will celebrate its second year with events held globally across fifteen cities worldwide, including:

• Brazil
• USA
• England
• France
• Liechtenstein
• Estonia
• Bulgaria
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Japan
• Philippines
• Israel

In its U.S. debut last October, the event brought nearly 700 female poker players together across 15 locations nationwide, spanning coast to coast. The Ladies International Poker Series, founded by Lupe Soto, will power the event and is supported by the Women’s Poker Association.

“In early 2025, I was approached by the World Poker Federation and the ladies’ committee about the simultaneous global event they wanted to produce,” Soto told Casinos.com. “When I realized it was the WPF organization that was able to get poker classified as a mind sport from the IMSA, I knew it had the potential to take our industry to the mainstream, and I definitely wanted to be involved.”

Soto joined the ladies committee as the Director of Development and serves as coordinator for the United States.

In Las Vegas, the Bellagio will host the weekend’s festivities. Here’s the full schedule:

Those who can’t attend in person can play all three days online through Bluffers Poker Online Club. Details are provided online.

Coaching the Next Wave of Women in Poker

Christina Black is celebrating her second year as the Nevada Ambassador for the WPF U.S. Ladies weekend. She’s a longtime advocate for women in general and especially passionate about women in poker.

“The WPF unites nations and players worldwide, shaping the future of poker as a global mind sport,” Black told Casinos.com. “Knowing that I get to play a role in something bigger on a global level, of course makes me excited.”

Poker pro Chris Read, who has over half a million in live earnings, will teach a lunch-and-learn session over at Kentucky’s OG Club House on Oct. 16.

“I just love helping to mentor and coach other female poker players, and WPF weekend is a perfect opportunity to do that,” she said.

The 2026 WSOP Main Event drew a record 431 women players, but this still accounts for only 4.68% of the field. Having a community to lean on makes all the difference for women in the game.

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