Women's events under scrutiny: Caitlin Comeskey's arguments in favor of gender-exclusive competitions
PokerStars' Women's Festivals are creating a stir in the world of poker, providing an environment that increases the likelihood of a new player falling in love with the game. These events have seen significant growth in participation, with all women's events last year increasing by an average of 49%, while the number of women playing in mixed Main Events only saw an average increase of 2%.
The Women's Winter Festival in London, held in November 2024, received the most positive feedback of any live event in PokerStars' history. The success of these events is evident in the numbers, with the North American Poker Tournament (NAPT) increasing by 94% last year and Monte Carlo numbers doubling this year.
Women make up less than 10% of the player pool in open events. However, these Women's Festivals offer a more comfortable and supportive environment, helping attract and retain female players who might otherwise feel intimidated in open, mixed-gender fields.
Caitlin Comeskey, a player and content creator who joined PokerStars as an ambassador last year, is a testament to the success of these events. She played in the 2021 WSOP Ladies Event, her first tournament experience, and has since won two first-place finishes in closed women's events. Caitlin has converted her primary volume to live tournaments and plays women's events regularly, enjoying the opportunity to socialize with other female poker players.
The Women's Festivals not only allow a positive first experience for new female players but also provide access to a professional network. Caitlin played with poker legends JJ Liu and Maria Ho in the 2021 WSOP Ladies Event.
Off-the-felt activities such as a ride on the London Eye, High Tea, and a Magic Mike variety show are also offered at these events, making them closer to the memories of playing poker in childhood or early adulthood, with more chattiness, laughter, and fun.
PokerStars is running the Women's Summer Festival from August 12-17. The festival includes a £100,000 guaranteed Main Event, a £1,100 High Roller, and a 50/50 event. The festival will also feature a cocktail class, a comedy night with Joe 'Stapes' Stapleton, and a closing party.
KJ Craigie, PokerStars Ambassador and Women's Festival creator, noted the event's camaraderie and positivity. Craigie pledges to take the role as ambassador with the utmost gravitas and looks forward to reinforcing the importance of women's events in growing the game.
These Women's Festivals serve as valuable platforms that reduce barriers for female beginners, encourage skill growth in a less intimidating setting, and help expand the overall player base. This matches wider poker community efforts to harness thematic tournaments aimed at novices, reinforcing the growth of poker at grassroots levels.
[1] Poker Freerolls and Beginner-Friendly Tournaments: Designing Environments for Learning and Practicing Poker Skills [2] The Effectiveness of Specially Tailored Events to Encourage New Players [3] Female Players Advancing Deeply and Winning Bracelets in Large Tournaments [4] The Growth of Poker at Grassroots Levels Through Thematic Tournaments
- In the realm of poker, PokerStars' Women's Festivals, such as the upcoming Women's Summer Festival, offer not only thrilling games but also a supportive environment aimed at health-and-wellness, making it easier for new female players to learn and develop their skills in a less intimidating setting.
- The success of PokerStars' Women's Festivals in promoting science, particularly in the area of psychology, is evident through their creation of a more comfortable learning environnment for new players, fostering the growth of female players in a traditionally male-dominated field.
