Two Women Poker Players Team Up to Inspire More Female Competitors

From strangers at a poker table to allies in a mission. Their story reveals how camaraderie can change the face of competitive poker for women.

, and Administrator

2026 May 6 . 3:51 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster advertising a tennis match in Monte Carlo, Italy. It features a man and a... — The image shows a poster advertising a tennis match in Monte Carlo, Italy. It features a man and a woman standing side by side, both holding tennis rackets, with a tennis court in the background. The court is surrounded by lush green grass, trees, and buildings, and there is a body of water in the distance. At the bottom of the poster, there is text that reads "Monte Carlo".

Two Women Poker Players Team Up to Inspire More Female Competitors

Two poker players, Kristina Rutia and Paola Morrondo, met for the first time at the PartyPoker Tour in Seville. Their shared experience at the event has led them to plan future travels together to other poker tournaments. Both now aim to encourage more women to join the game and build a supportive community around it. Paola Morrondo first tried live poker at the Seville tournament after her boyfriend, Marcos, urged her to overcome her nerves. She quickly noticed a stark difference between online and in-person play. Despite being one of only four women among over a hundred men, she found the atmosphere welcoming and supportive.

Kristina Rutia, meanwhile, began her poker journey casually, playing with family and friends. Her partner, Yeyu, later introduced her to the game’s deeper strategies, sparking a more serious interest. Over time, she observed a gradual increase in female players, though women remain a minority at most events. The two connected during the tournament and soon realised they shared a common goal. They now plan to attend more events together and create a network for women in poker, offering encouragement and advice to newcomers.

Rutia and Morrondo’s partnership highlights the growing presence of women in poker, though the numbers remain low. Their efforts to build a community could help more players feel supported in a traditionally male-dominated space. The pair will continue travelling to tournaments, aiming to inspire others along the way.