• WPF Ladies Weekend USA

Bellagio Las Vegas Wrap Up

Bellagio Las Vegas • Las Vegas NV

Jamie Kerstetter

CHAMPION

"Very cool concept — 13 countries hosted World Poker Federation Ladies’ events simultaneously this weekend.

I was lucky enough to win the Vegas version

Thanks Bellagio for hosting, and Christina Black + Lupe Soto for bringing women in the game together always!"
- Jamie Kerstetter

Bellagio LV Wrap Up

Bellagio Las Vegas WPF Ladies Weekend

It was an honor to represent the World Poker Federation (WPF) as an Ambassador for the weekend. Poker means so much to me, and supporting the women who play it is at the heart of everything I do. Bringing people together, celebrating their accomplishments, and helping more women feel welcome and having fun at the tables is a mission I’m proud to be part of.

The World Poker Federation (WPF) Ladies Weekend USA 2026 kicked off Friday, October 16, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in the Bellagio Poker Room with single-table satellites and three Main Event seats awarded!

Bellagio Prizes

They Come to Win

Satellite Winners

Congratulations to Samantha Divine, Laura Rains, and Ellen Middleton, who earned their seats in Saturday’s WPF Ladies Weekend Main Event!

What a great way to start a weekend celebrating women in poker!

Welcome Mixer

The festivities continued Friday evening with guest speaker Jamie Kerstetter, a longtime supporter of women in poker. Jamie gave encouragement to all the ladies and continued the conversation as she jumped into the cash game.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, where familiar faces and new friends came together to share their love of poker.

Appetizers, lots of swag provided by Bellagio Poker room & prizes provided by Ladies Poker International Series (LIPS) and the Women’s Poker Association (WPA). Even a sweet treat arrived towards the end of the event to wrap up the day. This meet up game was so much fun it went past the scheduled time of 9pm, they just did not want to stop!

Meet Up Game

Loads of Fun, Laughs and Prizes!

Championship

Saturday brought the WPF Main Event Ladies Championship, connecting the Bellagio event to a global celebration of women competing at poker tables around the world.

The tournament drew 43 entries, creating an $8,600 prize pool, 2 trophies provided by LIPS/WIP and final table swag bags celebrating the final table participants provided by the WPA. The field included familiar faces from the local poker community, players visiting from across the country, and international guests. The Bellagio Poker Room once again added to the festivities with prizes and pizza!

Congratulations to our WPF Main Event Ladies Champion, Jamie Kerstetter of Las Vegas, Nevada! She took home the hardware and $3,354. Jamie also did not come empty handed to the tournament. She had bounty prizes for those who knocked her out or doubled her up and in true champion form offered one of the two trophies to Jean. Jamie and Jean Osta put on a masterclass during heads-up play. Their skill and determination made for an incredible finish; it was truly an honor to watch.

43 entries Ttotal prize pool of $8,600

Our Top 6 Ladies in the Money

1st: Jamie Kerstetter | NV | $3,354
2nd: Jean (Jan) Osta | GA | $1978
3rd: Dandy Tran | NV | $1,204
4th: Cathie Smith | NV | $860
5th: Deborah Espe | NV | $688
6th: Michelle Cain | ID/NV | $516

Rounding Out Our Final Table!

7th: Laura Rains | ID
8th: Terry Hatcher | NV
And again, thank you to all who came and supported the event. I loved observing all the ladies share stories and have a good time.

It was one for the record books!

Ladies Championship Memories

Competition was FIERCE

Coffee & Chat

Sunday began with Coffee and Chat with Emma Hodge before the inaugural Kings and Queens NLHE tournament. Once again, friendships were made, numbers were exchanged, and Emma’s encouraging words filled our corner of the Bellagio Poker Room with inspiration.

KINGS & QUEENS

The tournament drew 43 entries, creating a $5,160 prize pool, with two coveted trophies recognizing the last woman and last man standing. The final table featured six women and three men!

Congratulations to Zoost Vervest of the Netherlands, who reached the final table and earned the Last Man Standing trophy.

Congratulations also to Rebecca Furlong of Florida, our WPF Ladies Weekend Kings and Queens Champion and last woman standing! Rebecca took home the beautiful lioness trophy and $1624.

Rebecca, Ellen Middleton, and Collette Arthur were the final three players and agreed to an ICM deal. With the largest chip stack at the time of the agreement, Rebecca took home the championship title, a wonderful finish to the weekend!

FINISHERS

43 entries-Total prize pool of $5,160

1st: Rebecca Furlong | FL | $1624
2nd: Ellen Middleton | NV | $1236
3rd: Collette Arthur | NV | $1061
4th: Joost Vervest | NETHERLANDS | $516
5th: Emma Hodge | NV | $413
6th: Francesca Ziegler | NV | $310|

Rounding Out Our Final Table!
7th: Amy Dermody | NV
8th: John Wallace | NV
9th: Jesse Hostetter | CO

Our Thanks

A heartfelt thank-you to Craig Larson, Bellagio’s Director of Poker Operations, who was instrumental in bringing this weekend together in the Bellagio Poker Room. Craig, the floor staff, and the outstanding dealers provided world-class service to me and our guests. Thank you for hosting such a fabulous event! If you’re ever in Las Vegas, I encourage you to stop by the Bellagio Poker Room and experience its hospitality for yourself.

Thank you to the Women’s Poker Association (WPA) for celebrating our MUG & Main Event final table players and supporting women in poker.

Most of all, thank you to the women and men who joined us. I love seeing women in poker come together, support one another, and enjoy the fun of the game and each other. Your enthusiasm, encouragement, and love of the game made this weekend special

Congratulations to all our prize winners and tournament champions, we couldn’t have done it without you!