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LOUISE ULRICK WINS POKERSTARS x POKER POWER WOMEN’S BOOTCAMP SHOWDOWN IN CYPRUS

Published

2 years ago

October 24, 2023

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There was a thrilling conclusion to the PokerStars x Poker Power Women’s Bootcamp Showdown at European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus with British player Louise Ulrick emerging victorious, winning a full package to EPT Prague this December.

The 55-year-old former maths teacher, turned licensee consultant, had never played a hand of poker until a few months ago but came out on top defeating American Katie Hopkins heads-up.

“I can’t believe it,” Ulrick told the PokerStars Blog after her victory. “Obviously winning was the objective of coming, but you never quite think it’s going to happen. I didn’t feel confident when we were practicing live. I felt clumsy with all the cards and the chips and everything, but today came together.

PokerStars x Poker Power Women’s Bootcamp Showdown Results

Louise Ulrick – Former maths teacher
Katie Hopkins – Associate General Counsel at Nasdaq, focusing on securities law
Laura Lebailly – French student studying Luxury Marketing
Sabrina Chevannes – Women’s international chess master who runs a London-based creative agency
Katerena Nowosad – Accountant for a financial services company
Drea Renee – TV reporter and massage therapist
Yvonne Mai – Actress
Jenny Larson – Charity Associate Executive Director
Patrice Gordon – Leadership Development consultant specialising in reverse mentoring
Ines Lafosse – Photographer, content creator and hotelier

Ulrick was one of 40 women who took part in an eight-week female-only poker bootcamp hosted by PokerStars and Poker Power, which saw women from around the world – who had no previous poker experience – learn and hone their skills.

“Anybody who is thinking about learning poker, it is such a good game to play,” continued Ulrick. “You can learn so much about yourself. There are online resources that are great to have a go at. And have a go!”

Following the intense programme which included weekly practice games and mentoring from PokerStars Team Pro Jen Shahade, the 40 recruits battled it out in Home Games Tournaments with ten awarded the chance to travel to EPT Cyprus to compete in the Ultimate Showdown.

Rebecca McAdam Willetts, Director of Partnerships, PR and Consumer Engagement said, “We are thrilled to be celebrating Louise as this year’s Women’s Bootcamp Champion and can’t wait to see how she gets on at EPT Prague. It has also been incredibly inspiring and rewarding to watch this group of women, and the community of women in poker around them, supporting each other and shining a light. The response from women around the world to this year’s bootcamp has been wonderful, with the number of participants increasing by over 400%. This, and the research we conducted earlier in the year, shows how vital it is to continue supporting women and activating our long-term plans to see more women take part, have fun and above all feel safe and comfortable at the poker table.”

Erin Lydon, President of Poker Power said, “Our innovative bootcamp program with PokerStars provides women with the platform and opportunity to go from zero to hero in an inclusive and supportive environment. All participants worked diligently during the Bootcamp and we hope that they each take away the strategies and skills developed through playing poker and apply them to their everyday lives. We are excited to congratulate Louise as the winner of the Showdown and very proud of all women who have taken their seats and begun their poker journey with us. Louise is proof that anyone can devote time, effort and study to this great game and triumph.”

Research conducted by PokerStars earlier this year, revealed that 55 per cent of women did not feel poker was inclusive to them, despite almost half (42 per cent) of women who play believing it helped improve their focus, concentration and decision-making ability.

In response, PokerStars teamed up with Poker Power to launch their second female-focused bootcamp to help women build their confidence and skills in poker, as well as provide a safe space for them to learn and play. Each recruit was taught game-play skills over eight weeks, that can translate to real world success including negotiation, strategic decision-making, and capital allocation.

Related Topics:latest-news poker Press Releases

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eSports

Razer Enters into Multiyear Deal with VALORANT Esports EMEA

Published

12 minutes ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Razer has entered into a multiyear deal to become the Official Gaming Chair Partner for VCT EMEA and Game Changers EMEA.

For the 2026 and 2027 seasons, Razer’s Iskur V2 gaming chair will be used by all teams on stage and in the coach and co-streaming rooms backstage. Designed with advanced ergonomic features for extended gaming sessions, the Iskur V2 provides support and comfort, during long, high-pressure games, helping players stay focused. In a game like VALORANT, precision, speed and consistency can decide the outcome.

Razer’s flagship gaming chairs are known for their ergonomic design, featuring adaptive lumbar support system that dynamically adjusts to every movement, helping players maintain proper posture through every high-stakes moment during the season.

Razer has consistently developed gear trusted by both professional and aspiring players and now, their equipment has earned the trust of others in the VALORANT scene. Recently, VCT EMEA’s Karmine Corp also announced Razer as their Official Partner including Gaming Chairs for the upcoming year – further proof of Razer’s commitment to elevating the competitive experience.

The post Razer Enters into Multiyear Deal with VALORANT Esports EMEA appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Tom Horn Gaming Releases Wild Tribe Wall

Published

12 minutes ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Tom Horn Gaming has released Wild Tribe Wall, a brand-new 5×5 scatter pays slot that takes players deep into a mysterious rainforest, where ancient tribes guard powerful riches.

Wild Tribe Wall is packed with engaging mechanics and introduces a completely reworked UX and UI, designed to make gameplay faster, cleaner and more intuitive. Key features are available instantly, cutting out unnecessary clicks and keeping players fully focused on the action.

Gameplay options such as Infinity Spins and Turbo Mode are now accessible with a single click. Bonus Buy has also been streamlined, with three clearly visible buttons – Buy Free Spins, Free Spins Booster and QuickX – placed directly under the reels for immediate access without disrupting the gameplay flow.

Wild multipliers and distinct bonus buy options

Wild multipliers range from x1 up to x50 and substitute for all symbols except Scatters. When multiple wilds land in a winning combination, their values are added together.

The bonus system adds depth and progression. Free Spins, triggered by three scatters, are fully retriggerable, while Super Free Spins, activated by four scatters, remove lower multipliers and guarantee only high-value wild multipliers on the reels, significantly increasing win potential. Players can also buy direct access to Free Spins or Super Free Spins, activate the Free Spins Booster for a higher bonus trigger chance, or enable QuickX to guarantee wild multipliers on every spin for maximum intensity.

“With Wild Tribe Wall, we focused on creating a more intuitive, user-friendly game that simply feels great to play. By reworking the UX and making features instantly accessible, we’ve removed friction from the experience. Combined with frequent wins and strong visuals, the game leaves players feeling genuinely satisfied with the gameplay,” said Ondrej Lapides, CEO at Tom Horn Gaming.

Built to deliver frequent wins and consistent engagement, Wild Tribe Wall offers a highly satisfying gameplay rhythm. A strong hit rate, combined with wild multipliers, BlastX and layered bonus features, ensures wins are regular, impactful and easy to follow from the very first spin.

The post Tom Horn Gaming Releases Wild Tribe Wall appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Anthony Rus

Mindway AI Announces Strategic Partnership with PepperMill Casino

Published

12 minutes ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Mindway AI and PepperMill Casino have announced a multiyear deal to strengthen player safety in Belgium. The partnership focuses on the implementation of GameScanner, Mindway AI’s premier technology designed to monitor and protect players using automated, data-driven insights.

PepperMill Casino, with over 30 years of industry experience and operations in both Belgium and the Netherlands, is committed to maintaining a safe and controlled environment where players can enjoy gaming responsibly. This partnership aligns seamlessly with their values of transparency and trust. Through this partnership, Mindway AI’s GameScanner will be integrated into PepperMill Casino’s systems. GameScanner offers innovative detection software that combines artificial intelligence with human expert assessment to monitor and identify at-risk and problem gambling behaviour.

By employing GameScanner, PepperMill Casino will provide its Belgian players an extra layer of security, utilising Mindway AI’s “Virtual Psychologist” capabilities for individualised and early detection of gambling-related issues. This development underscores PepperMill Casino’s dedication to sustainable gaming practices and upholding the highest standards of player safety and well-being.

“Partnering with a forward-thinking company like PepperMill Casino marks a significant milestone for us at Mindway AI. We are thrilled to bring our innovative GameScanner technology to their Belgian operations, reinforcing our joint mission of providing a safer gambling experience,” said Rasmus, CEO of Mindway AI.

“Mindway AI’s technology represents a significant step forward for responsible gaming. By adopting data-driven insights and behavioural science, we are raising the bar for player protection and demonstrating our commitment to leadership in safer online gambling.” said Anthony Rus, CEO at PepperMill Casino.

This partnership further strengthens Mindway AI’s presence in the European market, marking another step in its rapid global expansion. Mindway AI continues to lead the industry with solutions live in over 65 jurisdictions both online and land-based, translating their success into widespread player protection across the globe.

The post Mindway AI Announces Strategic Partnership with PepperMill Casino appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.