Marsh Wolak almost didn't play this year's Ladies event at the World Series of Poker. Last year she had been eliminated by one of the men, poker pro Shaun Deeb, who chose to play the event and that put a sour taste in her mouth. Despite that concern, she entered again this year and overcame all dozen men who entered the 1,055 player field to win the 2011 WSOP Ladies event for $192,344. The Arizona real estate investor had the pleasure of personally busting the last male, Jonathan Epstein, at the final table of the event, sending him home in 9th place.“It’s a dream come true,” Wolak announced after her victory.
Wolak began playing poker in earnest two years ago following the real estate downturn that was especially pronounced in her home state of Florida.Many fans were pulling for 8 month pregnant career poker pro Karina Jett. She was eventually eliminated in second place collecting $119,010, her best result in any WSOP event where she had finished fourth several times previously.
Once again, there was significant debate and consternation regarding the choice of a dozen men to play the Ladies event. The staff and fans didn't take kindly to their choice to play. Word has it that a new Nevada specific bill will aid future Ladies events to either prohibit or create disincentives for men to enter the Ladies event.
Final table results:
1. Marsha Wolak - $192,344
2. Karina Jett - $119,010
3. Carol Tomlinson - $74,459
4. Valerie Mccolligan - $54,045
5. Peg Ledman - $39,897
6. Katherine Stahl - $29,909
7. Jennifer Cowan - $22,750
8. Gloutnez Genevine - $17,537
9. Jonathan Epstein - $13,701
