Following a four-week poker bootcamp, seven women from around the globe took part in the PokerStars x Poker Power Bootcamp Showdown on Dec. 12 at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague series.
Canada’s Roxanne Johnson came out on top and scored a Platinum Pass for the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) in late January. The prize is valued at $30,000 and Johnson was thrilled to be among the players heading to the Caribbean for the PSPC.
“I can’t believe that just happened, it’s so surreal but I am so excited to be heading to PSPC in the Bahamas,” said Johnson, who lives in Kelowna, British Columbia. “It’s been an amazing journey so far with all the support, from the teams at PokerStars and Poker Power to meeting all the other women in Prague. Can’t wait for the next chapter at the PSPC!”
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PokerStars continues reaching out to women
A former court liaison officer with the Canadian Mounted Police, Johnson (pictured in lead image with PokerStars ambassador Jen Shahade) is the latest winner from the PokerStars and Poker Power partnership. The latter works at furthering the game of poker among women.
PokerStars teamed up with Poker Power earlier in the year to help women build their confidence and skills in the game. The two groups also hoped to create more opportunities for female players.
The partnership is part of PokerStars’ efforts to the growth of the game and supporting women in poker. This includes encouraging more women to sit down and have fun at the tables.
The plan also emphasizes ensuring a comfortable environment for all players, both live or online. The boot camp saw novice women players learn gameplay skills that translate to real world success including:
- negotiation
- strategic decision-making
- capital allocation
PokerStars ambassadors Jen Shahade, GJ Reggie, and Lali Tournier also participated and offered support. Tars officials were pleased at how the event turned out.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Roxanne as our first PokerStars and Poker Power Showdown champion, and can’t wait to see how she gets on in the Bahamas at what is set to be an unforgettable experience,” director of partnerships, public relations, and consumer engagement Rebecca McAdam Willetts said in a news release.
“We are committed to supporting women in the game and want to ensure that anyone has a chance at a seat at the table, and more importantly, a voice. The bootcamp and subsequent tournament at EPT Prague was an important element in our long-term plan to see more women learn, take part, have fun, and above all feel safe and comfortable.”
Winner’s journey
Johnson loves poker’s intricacies and the thrill that can come when playing. She was inspired to participate in the boot camp by the opportunity to play at a live event.
In heads-up play in Prague, she battled Romanian journalist Catalina Teodorescu for the Platinum Pass. In the final hand, Johnson flopped a pair of Kings with Teodorescu holding Queen-Jack suited.
The win now sees Johnson joining recent female Platinum Pass winners Giada Fang, of Italy, and Rishya Iyer, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Each week of the boot camp focused on developing players’ confidence and competence. Johnson seems to have learned quite a bit of that in finishing off the EPT event with a victory.
“Poker Power applauds Roxanne’s success and is thrilled to be a part of her exciting journey to the PSPC in the Bahamas,” Poker Power managing director and general manager Erin Lydon said. “The dedication of our instructors coupled with the hard work and courage of the boot camp participants created an inspiring learning environment.”
The PSPC is set for Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 at the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. Each Platinum Pass includes:
- $25,000 buy-in to the PSPC
- six nights hotel accommodation for the winner and a guest in a five-star hotel
- airport transfers and flights
- $1,900 expense money
- Platinum Pass winner experiences during the event
* Lead image courtesy Danny Maxwell/PokerStars