A typically unremarkable poker tournament is making waves since the winner of the supposed all-ladies event was none other than Mr. David Hughes. Hughes entered the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino tournament, winning top prize of $5,555, beating all other (female) participants, while drawing irritation from players throughout the game.
Abby Merk, who placed third in the tournament, took to twitter to vent her frustration with the fact that Hughes entered a supposedly women-exclusive tournament and walked away with the first-place prize money.
got 3rd in the ladies event!! didn’t run well when it mattered. gg to all the ladies. and to the man that won it? don’t do that again
— Abby Merk (@abbypoker34) April 30, 2023
As Hughes progressed in the competition, professional player Ebony Kenney offered up a $300 reward for any participant who could knock him out of the game. Upon Hughes advancing to the final table, Kenney’s bounty totaled over $2,000 but it went uncollected as he overcame Dayanna Ciabaton for the title.
Playing the @WPT ladies event today, and Dave here is the only man. (Filmed w/permission!)
While we appreciate the dead money, I really wish men would get what these events stand for.
So I put a $300 bounty on his head and Tamra & Noah Piderit matched it. 🥳🥳
Let’s get him. pic.twitter.com/dXVZVlriAP
— Ebony Kenney | Poker & Purposeful Pleasure (@Ebony_Kenney) April 29, 2023
Under Florida’s anti-discrimination laws, casinos are prohibited from banning men from competing in women’s events, which is why Hughes was allowed to participate. He did eventually say that he would refrain from competing in women’s tournaments in the future.
The World Series of Poker seeks to discourage men from joining women-only games by making their buy-in 10 times higher.
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