Full Breakdown
Aubrey Williams' Deep Run in the 2026 WSOP Ladies Championship Amid Online Hate
6/29/2026, 1:04:08 AM
Background & Context
The WSOP Ladies Championship is a $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em event that restricts entry to women. In 2026 it drew 1,475 entries, creating a $1,298,000 prize pool and a $194,630 first-place prize. Transgender professional Aubrey Williams, with $369,125 in live earnings and two WSOP Circuit rings, entered because she identifies as a woman, not to make a political statement.
Data & Statistics
- Entries: 1,475; Day 3 field: 48.
- Prize pool: $1,298,000; top prize: $194,630.
- Williams’ live earnings before the event: $369,125; total career earnings now exceed $350,000.
- Chip counts: Day 3 she tied for lead with 1,665,000 chips (83 BB). After Day 3 she held 2,660,000 chips (22 BB) at the final table.
- Other Day 3 leaders: Shannon Fahey (1,665,000), Cherish Andrews (1,640,000), Emily Spencer (1,185,000). Final-day leaders included Emily Spencer (10,290,000) and Skye Chen (5,450,000).
On-the-Ground Reports
Williams said her table mates greeted her with “friendly smiles and open arms,” and no opponent objected. She added that several women urged her to play, telling her “You need to play.” Streamer Patrick Leonard and award-winner Caitlin Comeskey posted supportive messages during the livestream.
Criticism & Opposition
After her Borgata Winter Poker Open win, Williams faced a “slew of hateful and transphobic comments” on social media. Similar trolling appeared in WSOP livestream chatrooms during the first two days of the Ladies Championship, sparking discussion about online harassment of transgender players.
Official Statements & Responses
Williams said she does not monitor social media and that “no one that she’s played with has had an issue with her.” She reiterated that she entered because “I’m a woman, so I play in the women’s event.” Supporters included Caitlin Comeskey, who wrote “No one has a problem with her being here,” and Keith Becker, who said “trans women are women” and “hateful voices do NOT speak for everyone in poker.” No WSOP official comment has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm a woman, so I play in the women's event,” — Aubrey Williams, professional poker player
- “The Internet's Not a Real Place” — Aubrey Williams
- “No one has a problem with her being here,” — Caitlin Comeskey, Global Poker Award winner
- “trans women are women” — Keith Becker, BetRivers Poker streamer
- “hateful voices do NOT speak for everyone in poker.” — Keith Becker
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list two chip totals for Williams: 1,665,000 on Day 3 and 2,660,000 after the final-day reshuffle. The difference reflects timing, not contradictory facts. No WSOP statement clarifies policy on transgender participation, leaving a gap in public guidance.
What’s Next
The final table begins at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, with a delayed WSOP broadcast. All six remaining players, including Williams, will vie for the $194,630 first-place prize and a WSOP gold bracelet.
