2008 WiPHoF Induction Ceremony

Induction Ceremony and Celebration

Marsha Wagonner, Linda Johnson, Susie Isaacs & Barbara Enright are the 4 Queens in the Inaugural Induction.

This was a fabulous and memorable event for all who attended. Our friends in the media were in full force and have done a fine job covering the festivities as they happened. The following is in the words of Lizzy Harrison.

The Women in Poker Hall of Fame (WiPHOF) is the brainchild of Founder, Lupe Soto. “As I learned of the amazing trailblazers in poker, I felt the world needed to recognize them for their contributions!” Said Soto. The four inaugural inductees were honored this past weekend during a ceremony held in Benny’s Bullpen. The goal of the WiPHOF is to celebrate and enhance the awareness of contributions and achievements of women in poker as recognized by respected representatives of women in poker. The WiPHOF is sponsored by Card Player.

The initial members are Barbara Enright, Linda Johnson, Marsha Waggoner, and Susie Isaacs. The master of ceremonies for the induction was World Poker Tour commentator Mike Sexton, with Jan Fisher acting as the keynote speaker.

To be considered for induction into the WiPHOF, women must meet certain criterion. Firstly, they must have been a poker player or industry leader for fifteen years prior to their election. They also must have made significant contributions to the poker industry. The last element that all women in the WiPHOF must share is that they have to support women in poker. Even if they do not play women’s tournaments, they must support their existence.

The WiPHOF board is made up of dedicated women in the game. The Board makes the final decisions in regards to the inductees. Lupe Soto, is the Board Chair said during the ceremony, “It’s definitely time for the women in poker to have their own hall of fame to recognize the amazing contributions in the poker world.”

Card Player’s own Allyn Jaffrey Shulman is also on the board. The other members are professional poker player Karina Jett, professional poker player and industry leader Maureen Feduniak, and the director of marketing for Ocean’s Eleven Casino Suzanne Carter.

The induction ceremony this past Saturday was followed by a $500 buy-in tournament at Binion’s. The open event (meaning both men and women played) was appropriately won by Enright.