The Queens of Poker
- Deeksha Sahoo.
Poker has always been defined as a male dominated game filled with smoke filled rooms, along with tough death stares, and testosterone fluid bluffs. But as the time evolved and the equality among the gender battle started women also started expressing their powers and skills to prove their potential in the society. 

Since then women have been the greatest faces of the poker games making serious moves at the table. 

Let's dive deep and know a few Queens of the poker games….

1.Vanessa Selbst: The Queens of Bluff and Strategy -
With over $11 million  tournament earnings, Vanessa Selbst isn’t just identified as a ground breaker but is known as the poker powerhouse. She is known for her aggressive style which will convince her opponent to fold even when they have got the pocket aces. Her analytical approach in the game and her fearless attitude have put her name in the history of poker.

She has proved that women can dominate the highest level of poker and outplay the boys at their own game. Her success in poker game clears the doubts about whether women can “handle” the poker game

2.Jennifer Harman: The cash game legend -
Jennifer Harman is a fixture in high stakes cash games and has been over two decades. She was one of the few women who played in ultra exclusive “Big Poker Games” in Las Vegas. Harman’s no-nonsense game style and her durability made her iconic.

Her presence in cash games broke the gender stereotype about women being too risk hesitant to play poker for real money. She proved the world that gender doesn’t dictate your poker skills.

3.Maria Ho: The Media Maven -
Maria Ho made waves not only as a poker player but also a commentator. With over $4 million in live tournament earnings, her poker skills speak for themselves. But her voice behind the mic brings energy to the game changing the poker landscape.

Her dual role as a poker player as well as a commentator highlighted the importance of representation in the media. Having Female voice in poker broadcasting helps shift the narrative and opens the door for the next generation of women.

4.Muskan Sethi: The Queen of Hearts -
Muskan Sethi is a name  synonymous to poker in India. She was the first Indian woman to win  a national award in poker from the President of India for her great achievements. Her journey started from playing free poker games to represent India on the global platform is proof that poker is not just the game of luck it's also the game of strategies.

And she is the living proof that you can be both fierce and graceful while taking down your opponent.

5.Kanishka Samant: The Risk Taker -
If poker is described as the game of risk then Kanishka Samant is known as  the warrior at the poker table. She is one of the few female players who have constantly ranked high in national tournaments. When the world sees poker as a risky affair Kanishka calls it the gambling calculation. Her strategic game tells that poker isn’t only about big bluffs but also about knowing when to go all in.

Poker is one of the competitive games with great opportunities for women by bringing different perspectives, skills and approaches to the games. It's not just about breaking down the gender barrier but also making the game more rich and inclusive. Plus having women play poker challenges the outdated stereotype about poker being a ‘ man’s game’. It also encourages women to pick up the card and make them feel that they also belong to the poker table.

So, let’s shuffle the deck and call the women to the table as the game is better when one’s voice is heard.