Shahade defeated Claire Taylor in heads-up play to earn the title
Jennifer Shahade added another highlight to her career last week by winning the Women’s Summer Festival Main Event in London. The PokerStars ambassador collected £22,200 after outlasting a field of 193 players at the Clermont London.
The tournament carried a £400 buy-in and marked the second edition of the PokerStars live series dedicated exclusively to female players. The event drew competitors from around the globe but, in the end, Shahade defeated Claire Taylor in heads-up play to secure the title.
Shahade is no stranger to high-level competition. Aside from her poker career, she is a celebrated figure in the chess community, where she has long advocated for greater inclusion of women. Her ability to bridge the two games has made her a unique voice in both worlds, and her success at the table adds weight to her role as one of the most visible ambassadors for women in poker.
For many players who joined the festival, Shahade’s victory may have carried extra significance. She has spent years encouraging more women to participate in poker, and winning such a prominent women’s-only event only reinforces that message. Her presence at the festival also reflected the community-driven nature of the event, which aims to build confidence and camaraderie among female players while showcasing strong competition.
The Women’s Summer Festival is still a relatively new addition to the poker calendar, but its early results suggest strong momentum. The first edition, held last November, was won by Maria Lampropulos, another well-respected champion.
With back-to-back victories from such accomplished players, the series is quickly establishing itself as a stage where both experienced pros and aspiring newcomers can shine.
