Female Poker Players to Keep an Eye on at the PokerStars Women's Tournament in the UK
Women's Summer Poker Festival Returns to London
The Women's Summer Poker Festival is set to return to London this August, with PokerStars aiming to make this edition even bigger and better than the inaugural winter edition. The festival will take place from the 12th to the 17th of August, 2025, at The Clermont, Charing Cross Hotel.
The main events of the festival include the £400 Main Event, which boasts a £100,000 guaranteed prize pool, the £1,100 High Roller, the £220 50/50 Freezeout, and the Free-entry Closer, which awards an exclusive package to the EPT Prague for women.
The £400 Main Event will consist of three Day 1 flights, one of which will be in turbo format, leading to Day 2 and the Final Day. The High Roller event is expected to attract many top returning players, including Maria Lampropulos, the inaugural Women's Winter Festival champion.
In addition to the poker tournaments, the festival offers poker bootcamps and tutorials for skill improvement, as well as live and online satellites. A Mega Satellite on July 20 will offer full seat-and-expense packages.
The Women's Summer Festival is more than just a tournament; it's about building confidence, community, and carving out space in a game still heavily dominated by men. The festival emphasises fostering a space for women to learn, compete, and connect, featuring community mixers, networking activities, and off-table social events.
Key players to watch include returning top performers from last year’s Winter Festival, as well as newcomers like Bixi Yao, who had a deep run in the $1,500 Millionaire Maker at the 2025 WSOP, and Cassandra Yong, who has had a highly active and consistent year across both UK and international circuits.
PokerStars is investing in a more inclusive future not just by offering large guarantees, but by building a framework where women aren't an afterthought - they're the main event. The Hippodrome Casino is offering multiple low buy-in opportunities for live qualification, including a £150 High Roller Satellite on August 12 and numerous £40 Main Event Satellites.
The Women's Summer Festival aims to host the largest women's poker field outside of the United States. With its focus on inclusivity and high-level competition, the festival is a highlight for women in competitive poker and a necessary step toward a more inclusive game.
Key Details
- Dates: August 12–17, 2025
- Venue: The Clermont, Charing Cross Hotel, London
- Main Event: £400 buy-in, £100,000 guaranteed (Aug 14–17)
- High Roller: £1,100 buy-in (Aug 13)
- 50/50 Freezeout: £220 buy-in, mixed team event (Aug 16)
- Free-entry Closer: Awards EPT Prague women’s package (Aug 17)
- Notable Players: Returning top finishers from Winter Festival; Maria Lampropulos (former champion)
- Other offerings: Live/online satellites, poker bootcamps, tutorials
[1] [3] [5] Source: PokerStars Blog
This festival is a testament to London's vibrant poker scene and a step forward in making the game more inclusive for all.
The poker community eagerly anticipates the return of the Women's Summer Poker Festival to the casino-and-gambling hub of London, as it promises to be a significant event in the casino-games scene. This festival extends beyond traditional competition, providing a platform for women to build confidence, connect with others, and establish a stronger presence in a game still dominated by men.
