Earlier this year, PokerStars announced that an exciting program created for women to learn more about poker would return in 2023, and it will soon culminate on Oct. 18 at European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus with a Showdown tournament, which will award a full package to EPT Prague in December
The Women’s Bootcamp, in partnership with Poker Power, is aimed at beginners who will then be mentored by PokerStars ambassadors including Jen Shahade, Lali Tournier and Georgina “GJReggie” James.
The final recruits battled it out in Home Games Tournaments, where the winners were awarded the chance to travel to Cyprus and compete in the ultimate Showdown. In preparation for that event, PokerNews wanted to profile some of the women who’ll be battling for an opportunity of a lifetime.
Meet the Women of the PokerStars x Poker Power Women’s Bootcamp Showdown
Q&A w/ Drea Renee
Drea Renee, who resides in Los Angeles, California, is no stranger to poker. Renee, who has a BS in Communications from the University of Texas at Austin, has worked in the poker industry as a massage therapist since 2013 and a sideline reporter since 2015. Among those entities, she’s worked for PokerGO, the World Poker Tour (WPT), and the Heartland Poker Tour (HPT).
PokerNews: When and how did you learn poker; or when and how were you introduced to the game?
Drea Renee: I’ve watched Texas hold’em during my years of working in the industry and I grasped the basics. However, I finally caught the poker bug and have a strong desire to dive deep into this intricate game. Poker is a fascinating and complex pursuit, and I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn more.
What inspired you to partake in the Women’s Bootcamp?
I’ve been wanting to play for a while, and my motivation was fueled by my aspiration to excel as a sideline reporter and truly understand the game. When I came across Will Shillibier’s Facebook post. I immediately decided to take the plunge.
How did you feel about the experience? Do you feel it improved your game?
I enjoyed the workshop so much! I was genuinely saddened when it concluded, and I wished for an extra month. It undeniably enhanced my gameplay and deepened my understanding of fundamental concepts. While I had a basic grasp of things Poker Power certainly made them clearer.
What was your favorite part of the Boot Camp?
My favorite part of the Boot Camp was the community games every day and the teachers. They were really informative and funny! Liz Huey said “Sometimes you gotta risk it for the biscuit!” And it’s stuck with me!
Did you learn anything that you’ll be able to apply to your real life?
Poker is teaching me to let go of things I can’t control and to trust my gut instincts. Being dealt two hole cards and having to embrace what you have and make the best of it has been a great life lesson.
PokerStars Continues to Encourage Women
“We’re delighted to be joining forces with Poker Power for the second year and continue developing our commitment to encouraging women into poker,” said Rebecca McAdam Willetts, PokerStars’ Director of Partnerships, PR, and Consumer Engagement. “We are doubling the length of our Bootcamp to eight weeks, and we will not only teach women how to play poker, but also provide them with skills that can be applied to their daily lives.”
According to research by PokerStars in the United Kingdom, 42 percent of women who play poker believe the game brings improved focus and concentration while 38 percent believe it could improve their ability to make decisions. Despite this, over half of women surveyed (55 percent) said they feel that poker is not inclusive.
Learn More About the Women’s Bootcamp!
Executive Editor U.S.
Executive Editor US, PokerNews Podcast co-host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.