In a groundbreaking moment for the poker world, the inaugural Queens of Tallinn 2023, Europe’s first women-only poker festival, witnessed Lithuanian player Marta Porter securing victory in the main tournament with a €350 ($377) buy-in. Organized by OlyBet, the festival attracted over 150 participants from 15 different countries, hosting eleven events over four days, with a strong emphasis on providing exclusive opportunities for female poker enthusiasts.
Main Tournament Highlights:
The centerpiece of the festival was the three-day main tournament, featuring 65 buy-ins and a substantial €19,246 prize pool, ultimately rewarding eight finalists. Marta Porter emerged as the clear leader from the tournament’s outset, showcasing exceptional skill and strategy. Her triumphant performance earned her €6,167, solidifying her place in poker history. Müür secured second place, claiming a €4,050 prize, while Lithuanian player Indre Martoviciute clinched the third position, walking away with €2,740.
Festival’s Impact and Objectives:
Christer Larsson, OlyBet Group Poker Director, expressed the festival’s purpose, stating, “With the first women’s poker festival, we wanted to give women more opportunities to test themselves in a competitive situation against other female players. We are delighted with the positive feedback from so many women.” The success of the Queens of Tallinn festival reflects a growing trend of inclusivity and recognition of the rising influence of female poker players.
Rise of Female Poker Players:
The surge in female poker players has been a notable trend, supported by research collaborations between PR firm Hatch and 888poker. The findings revealed a remarkable 22% increase in female poker players across Britain in 2022. The Queens of Tallinn festival adds momentum to this trend, providing a dedicated platform for women to showcase their skills and contribute to the evolving landscape of professional poker.
Additional Festival Events:
Beyond the main tournament, the Queens of Tallinn festival featured ten other events exclusively designed for female poker enthusiasts. These diverse events aimed to create a supportive and competitive environment for women in the poker community, fostering camaraderie and skill development.
OlyBet’s Continued Commitment:
OlyBet, the organizer of the Queens of Tallinn festival, has been actively involved in promoting poker and gaming experiences. Recently, the company extended its collaboration with Euroleague Basketball, solidifying its position as the Premium Partner for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup until the 2024-25 season. This commitment to diverse partnerships reflects OlyBet’s dedication to enhancing the gaming experience across various platforms and demographics.
Marta Porter’s victory at the Queens of Tallinn 2023 symbolizes a historic moment for women in poker, marking the success of Europe’s first women-only poker festival. The festival’s impact goes beyond individual achievements, contributing to the broader narrative of inclusivity and recognition within the poker community. As the Queens of Tallinn becomes an annual event, it is poised to further elevate the prominence of female poker players, fostering a more diverse and vibrant poker landscape.