The women’s event attracted a very respectable 485 entries
Tirza Sanders claimed victory in the 2024 WPT Ladies Championship, emerging from a competitive field of 485 entries to secure her first major title and a career-high payout of $90,432. The event took place at the Wynn Las Vegas, where friends and supporters gathered to cheer on the final table competitors.
Hailing from Tucson, Arizona, Sanders credited her win to both her determination and the encouragement of her poker circle, the Royal Rebels. The group traveled to Las Vegas specifically to support her, creating a lively environment that fueled her remarkable performance.
“I’ve been actually having a rough year, and so right here in December, to close it out and have a winning year feels amazing,” Sanders shared after the win. Convinced by her friends to compete in the Ladies Championship, she hinted at playing more women’s events in the future.
The path to victory wasn’t without its challenges. Starting the final table with a middling stack, Sanders quickly found herself on the brink of elimination with just 315,000 chips—less than four big blinds. However, a series of well-timed double-ups reignited her momentum. In a span of fewer than 20 minutes, Sanders doubled her stack, knocked out an opponent, and reestablished herself as a formidable contender.
Sanders’ aggressive and calculated play carried her through the final stages, where she personally eliminated four of her final table opponents, including runner-up Jana De La Cerra. De La Cerra, from California, also achieved a personal milestone, earning $58,987 for her second-place finish.
The tournament, which saw its 485-player field nearly double the $250,000 guaranteed prize pool, marked a memorable chapter in Sanders’ poker career. With this victory, she closed out her year on a high note, turning challenges into triumph and setting the stage for more success in the future.
Editor at the Big Blind, is a rising star in gambling journalism with a decade of experience, focusing on clear and accessible communication for a diverse audience.
