Renee Xie, a poker player from Northamptonshire, has made history as the first woman to win a major event on a UK tour. Ms Xie secured victory at the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) Luton Main Event on 6 September, overcoming 396 other participants.
The GUKPT, a poker series with events across the UK, has been running for 20 years. Ms Xie's win marks the first time a woman has claimed a main event title. She expressed her disbelief to Annabel Amos on BBC Radio Northampton, stating, "I couldn't believe I won. I was at a loss for words."
According to poker website 888Poker, women constitute approximately 4% of the global poker player pool. Ms Xie, who plays poker as a hobby for its strategy and mental challenge, has no intentions of becoming a professional, stating, "I only play for fun."
GamCare's head of helpline and online services, Samantha Turton, noted that while many people enjoy gambling safely, it is important to recognise signs of a developing problem. These signs can include preoccupation with gambling, spending more time and money than intended, using gambling to escape challenges, or regularly trying to win back lost money.