Story perspectives

Aubrey Williams Reaches WSOP Ladies Final Table Amid Transphobic Backlash

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Aubrey Williams reached the final table of the 2026 WSOP $1,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em Championship, entering Day 3 with 2,660,000 chips (22 big blinds).
The six finalists’ stacks were: Emily Spencer 10,290,000; Skye Chen 5,450,000; Lisa Teebagy 5,360,000; Victoria Ailloud 3,895,000; Aubrey Williams 2,660,000; Caitlin Comeskey 1,780,000.
After transphobic comments online, fellow player Patrick Leonard and fellow player Caitlin Comeskey publicly defended Williams, whose live earnings now exceed $350,000.

History

Historical Context

Starting with the $100 ladies-only stud tournament won by Jackie McDaniels in 1977, the WSOP shifted the women’s event to Texas Hold’em in 2001. The $1,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em debut in 2005 drew about 600 players and awarded a $158,000 first prize, while women now comprise roughly 5% of all entrants. The 2026 final table continues that legacy of growing visibility.

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Story summary

Aubrey Williams reached the final table of the 2026 WSOP $1,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em Championship, entering Day 3 with 2,660,000 chips (22 big blinds).
The six finalists’ stacks were: Emily Spencer 10,290,000; Skye Chen 5,450,000; Lisa Teebagy 5,360,000; Victoria Ailloud 3,895,000; Aubrey Williams 2,660,000; Caitlin Comeskey 1,780,000.
After transphobic comments online, fellow player Patrick Leonard and fellow player Caitlin Comeskey publicly defended Williams, whose live earnings now exceed $350,000.

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