Foxen's Four - Ivey Joins the Big One - Poker Trading Cards

Kristen Foxen’s Historic Poker Achievement

Kristen Foxen has set a new benchmark in the poker world by becoming the first woman to clinch four World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelets. This monumental achievement was secured when she triumphed over 492 participants in the 2023 WSOP Online $888 buy-in No Limit Hold’em ‘Crazy 8’s’ event, walking away with a prize of $92,142.

A Glimpse into Foxen’s Poker Journey

With this victory, Foxen’s total tournament earnings position her marginally behind Vanessa Selbst as the top-earning female poker player. Foxen’s journey to four WSOP bracelets began in 2013 when she won the WSOP ladies No Limit Hold’em championship, besting 954 competitors and securing a prize of $173,922. She continued her winning streak in 2016, claiming victory in a $1,500 No Limit Hold’em bounty event and pocketing $290,768. Her third bracelet was won online in 2020, where she outplayed 892 participants in a $2,500 No Limit Hold’em six-max tournament, earning $356,412.

Setting New Standards in Poker

Foxen’s latest victory not only adds another feather to her cap but also sets her apart from other female poker players, including Vanessa Selbst and Barbara Enright. While Selbst and Kathy Liebert have earned more in terms of total cash prizes, Foxen’s consistent performance suggests that she might soon surpass them. It’s noteworthy that Foxen’s achievements span both live and online poker tournaments, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of poker.

Future Prospects

Given Foxen’s track record and the momentum she has built over the years, it’s anticipated that she might soon lead the women’s all-time money rankings. With the poker community closely watching her next moves, Foxen is poised to inspire many more women to break barriers in the male-dominated world of poker.

Phil Ivey Joins the Big One for One Drop Tournament

The excitement surrounding the Big One for One Drop tournament has escalated with the confirmation of Phil Ivey as the inaugural participant. This year, the tournament, boasting a $1 million buy-in, is hosted as a World Poker Tour event, diverging from its previous association with the World Series of Poker as a non-bracelet event. The event, which is a segment of the WPT World Championship, is slated to occur from December 18 to 20.

The Buzz Around Ivey’s Participation

Phil Ivey, known for his enigmatic persona, managed to stir conversations in the poker community with a brief video message. As a World Poker Tour ambassador, it was anticipated that Ivey would be the first player to be announced. The poker community is eagerly awaiting similar announcements in the coming months, especially considering the current surge in live poker and High Roller events, which might attract a record number of participants.

Charitable Aspect of the Tournament

A notable portion of the buy-in, six percent to be precise, will be donated to the One Drop Foundation. This initiative aims to facilitate sustainable access to essential amenities like safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in communities grappling with severe challenges. Additionally, one percent of the buy-in will be retained as the house fee.

Historical Overview of the Tournament

The Big One for One Drop tournament is making a comeback after a five-year break. Here is a glimpse of the previous tournaments and their winners:

2012: Antonio Esfandiari won with a prize of $18,346,673
2014: Dan Colman secured the first place with a prize of $15,306,668
2016: Elton Tsang won the Monte-Carlo One Drop Extravaganza, bagging $12,248,912
2018: Justin Bonomo won, taking home $10,000,000

It is noteworthy that the 2016 event was exclusive to amateur players, prohibiting professional players from participating.

The 2024 Poker Trading Card Collection

In a thrilling development for poker enthusiasts, a new series of trading cards is set to hit the market in 2024. This collection will spotlight around 40 renowned poker players, including the likes of Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, and Daniel Weinman. The project, a collaboration between the esteemed poker agency Poker Royalty and Leaf Trading Cards, promises to be a treasure trove for collectors. Although the official release date and the full roster of featured players remain under wraps, the anticipation continues to build.

Anticipation Builds Among Poker Stars

Daniel Weinman, the victor of the 2023 WSOP Main Event, expressed his excitement about being featured in this collection. Recollecting his childhood days of collecting sports cards, he finds the thought of having his own trading card surreal. The initiative marks a revival of a tradition, with new players getting the opportunity to find signed cards in the set.

A Rich Legacy of Collectibles

This project isn’t the first of its kind, as Poker Royalty and Leaf have previously collaborated to create poker trading card sets in 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2011. These sets have remained sought-after collectibles in the poker community. The Leaf brand, with a history dating back to the 1940s, has undergone several transitions in ownership, maintaining its legacy of producing notable card sets.

Community Engagement and Market Potential

The poker community harbors a significant number of hobbyists, indicating a promising market for the upcoming batch of Leaf poker trading cards. Several prominent figures in the poker scene, who are also avid collectors of trading cards, are expected to show keen interest in this project. The collaboration between Leaf and Poker Royalty is poised to carve a successful niche in the trading card market, catering to both seasoned and new collectors.