PokerStars and Poker Power have united to deliver a bootcamp initiative that is looking to drive additional opportunities for women worldwide to take to the table.
This first step in the partnership will deliver the aforementioned poker bootcamp, which is aimed at women with a keen interest in the game who want to strengthen their skills and evolve their overall experience.
The four-week bootcamp will see novices from around the globe learn gameplay skills that it is hoped wll translate to real world success, including negotiation, strategic decision-making and capital allocation.
The curriculum will include practice sessions on Poker Powers’ teaching app, Poker Power Play, as well as specialised tournaments and home games at PokerStars.
Furthermore, support will also be offered through one-on-one tutorials with PokerStars’ ambassadors including Jennifer Shahade, GJ Reggie and Lali Tournier, to help prepare those involved to play to win a place at a special event at European Poker Tour Prague event. This include the chance to play for a platinum pass for an all expanses trip, and entry into, the PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship in the Bahamas.
Erin Lydon, Managing Director, and General Manager of Poker Power, commented: “We are honoured to be working with PokerStars on this milestone project. PokerStars shares our strategic mission and vision for the future of women in poker – and it’s thrilling to curate a special bootcamp with PokerStars that will encourage more women to join this amazing sport. Our mission at Poker Power is to teach one million women business and life skills through the game of poker.
“Our four-week course will not just teach women about poker but equip them with important life skills that can be applied to business, parenthood and general life.
“I hope through this partnership, we can create more opportunities for women, and that perceptions of poker will begin to shift and more women will feel empowered and safe to step up to the gaming table.”
This initiative and partnership, said PokerStars, forms “a key part” of commitment to grow the game and support more women in poker to sit down and have fun at poker tables, as well as ensuring all players have a comfortable and safe place to play whether live or online.
It is added that this initiative forms “part of a stream of activity” that is focused on highlighting women in poker and presenting more opportunities both for women already active within the community and those who would like to be.
Rebecca McAdam Willetts, PokerStars’ Director of Partnerships, PR and Consumer Engagement, explained: “We’re incredibly excited to join forces with such a progressive organisation like Poker Power.
“They are the perfect partner to collaborate with on this project as the work they do with women in poker transcends the gaming table – their programmes teach skills of strategy and leadership that can be applied to the boardroom and beyond.
“Despite some great progress over the years, we know there’s still a long road ahead to make poker more inclusive, but a lot can be done when we row in the same direction together.
“We also know women-only events and activities are not for everyone, but we’ve listened to players and this is one of many activities we have planned that comes from direct feedback.
“These bootcamps are an essential first opportunity to pique interest in women who have never played the game before and to motivate those that play poker, to continue to evolve their skills and gain confidence at the tables.
“We’re committed to making poker as inclusive and accessible for everyone and it’s our mission to create equal opportunities and a safe space for the poker community.”
