The inaugural PokerStars Women’s Summer Festival has crowned its champion. The £400 Main Event concluded with a thrilling victory by Jennifer Shahade, who secured the largest No-Limit Hold’em tournament prize of her career.
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Who Is the Champion?
Jennifer Shahade, a two-time U.S. Women’s Chess Champion, author, commentator, and PokerStars Ambassador, claimed the top prize of £22,200. Her win was not only a personal triumph but also a powerful moment for women in poker.
What Happened at the Final Table?
The tournament attracted 193 players from across the globe, including popular figures Shiina Okamoto, Marle Spragg, and Caitlin Comeskey. After intense competition, Shahade faced off against the United Kingdom’s Claire Taylor in a tense heads-up battle.
The final nine players fought fiercely for the title. Shahade started strong, survived risky moments, and made bold moves. Despite folding a huge hand earlier, she kept her focus and pushed through to the very end.
Where Did It Take Place?
The action unfolded in London, the host city for the first-ever PokerStars Women’s Summer Festival. The event created a platform for female players worldwide, highlighting their skills and determination.
When Did Victory Come?
On the festival’s closing day, August 18, 2025, Shahade finally lifted the trophy. After hours of strategic play, she won the last hand by turning a king-four into a straight against Taylor’s pocket sevens.
Why Does This Win Matter?
This victory marks Shahade’s most significant poker success to date. Already a well-known figure in chess and broadcasting, she proved her versatility by triumphing in one of the biggest women-only events on the PokerStars calendar.
The win also represents a step forward for women in poker, showcasing how dedicated tournaments can build visibility and inspire more female participation in the game.

How Did the Final Hands Play Out?
Shahade built momentum by knocking out Saara Benlamine and Valerie Morris in quick succession. Claire Taylor and Lynne Beaumont also had their moments at the top of the leaderboard. But when the table came down to three players, Shahade eliminated Beaumont with ease, setting up a final duel. Holding a dominant stack, she slowly chipped away at Taylor before delivering the final blow.
Final Table Results
1. Jennifer Shahade (USA) – £22,200
2. Claire Taylor (UK) – £14,000
3. Lynne Beaumont (UK) – £10,000
4. Tanya Masters (Ireland) – £7,650
5. Akiko Ota (Japan) – £5,900
6. Morgane Fevrier (France) – £4,530
7. Miriam Balen (Brazil) – £3,770
8. Valerie Morris (UK) – £3,150
9. Saara Benlamine (Finland) – £2,600

FAQs
1. Who won the PokerStars Women’s Summer Festival Main Event?
Jennifer Shahade from the United States won the title.
2. How much did the winner take home?
She earned £22,200, her largest poker prize so far.
3. Who finished second in the tournament?
Claire Taylor from the United Kingdom secured the runner-up spot with £14,000.
4. How many players joined the event?
A total of 193 players participated in the £400 Main Event.
5. Why is Shahade’s win important?
It highlights the growing influence of women in poker and adds another achievement to Shahade’s already impressive career.
Content Courtesy: POKERNEWS