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

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.
Asia
KONAMI Teams Up with Sunil Chhetri to Celebrate Diwali with Exclusive eFootball™ Content and National Tournament

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Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. (KONAMI) today announced a historic collaboration with Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, bringing his exclusive player card and avatar to eFootball. Launched today, 9th October, the move is timed with the celebration of Diwali, marking a milestone moment for Indian fans. Adding to the celebrations, Konami also unveils the Diwali Cup, a national level eFootball
tournament with a ₹1 Lakh prize pool, allowing fans a chance to celebrate one of the country’s most festive seasons and also play as a national icon.
Registrations for the tournament are now open via the eFootball India Discord server, closing on 16th October Matches commence between October 16 to 30, with top performers and the winner able to secure an opportunity to meet celebrity guests such as Sunil Chhetri, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Focused Indian and Ahan Shetty at the exclusive event in Mumbai this December. The Diwali Cup is designed to blend competition with festivity, giving fans a chance to celebrate the season on and off the virtual pitch.
To further embrace the spirit of Diwali, the brand will also introduce a special in-game ‘Diwali Campaign’ From themed jerseys and firework goal effects to celebratory profile banners, these exclusive design elements aim to bring an Indian cultural flavor into the game. Ensuring fans can experience both the festival and the beautiful game in a unique way. Additionally, fans can look forward to obtaining the Sunil Chhetri Starter Set on sale from November onwards.
Speaking about the launch, Junichi Taya, eFootball General Producer at KONAMI, said: “India has an incredible passion for football, and Sunil Chhetri stands as a true symbol of that spirit. We are honored to celebrate his career with this special in-game card. Additionally, as we look to build a stronger presence in the sub-continent, we are seeking to embrace localized activations, and this aligns with our vision perfectly. This collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to Indian fans as we look forward to seeing them celebrate both their hero and their festival inside eFootball
.”
With over two decades of international football, Sunil Chhetri’s arrival in eFootball marks a new chapter in honoring his legacy. For fans across India, the launch is aimed to be a celebration of national pride, passion, and the growing power of Indian football. As KONAMI pushes ahead to deliver meaningful, localized experiences across the subcontinent, the brand seeks to ensure Indian fans remain at the heart of eFootball
.
The post KONAMI Teams Up with Sunil Chhetri to Celebrate Diwali with Exclusive eFootball™ Content and National Tournament appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
MGA Introduces Self-Assessment Tool to Help Individuals Assess Gambling Habits

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As part of its ongoing commitment to player protection, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has announced the launch of an online Self-Assessment Tool, available in both English and Maltese, designed to help individuals reflect on their gambling habits and behaviour.
Developed in close collaboration with several key local organisations – namely Sedqa, Caritas Malta, the OASI Foundation and the Responsible Gaming Foundation – the tool is completely anonymous, free to use and accessible to all.
Rooted in the Problem Gambling Severity Index – a widely recognised, evidence-based screening tool – the questionnaire comprises nine straightforward questions. These aim to assess the extent of an individual’s gambling behaviour while also considering broader social and environmental influences.
The tool encourages self-reflection in an accessible way, helping players consider whether they may benefit from reaching out for professional guidance. Should a user’s results indicate the need for further support, they will be directed to one of the participating organisations, each of which serves as a trusted point of contact for advice and care. Information is also available on safer gambling tools, such as setting limits or using global bet-blocking tools.
This initiative represents a collaborative, people-first approach to player protection, working alongside local entities in Malta and Gozo to ensure that anyone experiencing gambling-related harm is not only informed but also supported.
The MGA encourages players to use the tool regularly as a way to monitor changes in their gambling behaviour over time and stay mindful of any change that may occur.
The post MGA Introduces Self-Assessment Tool to Help Individuals Assess Gambling Habits appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
EU9 Expands Southeast Asia Presence with New Regional Partnerships in 2025

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EU9 online casino, one of Southeast Asia’s most trusted online gaming platforms, has announced an exciting expansion, solidifying its presence across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. By forging new regional partnerships, EU9 is poised to provide players with enhanced gaming experiences, while ensuring the platform remains the most trusted online casino in Malaysia and beyond.
As part of its expansion efforts, EU9 has partnered with some of the most reputable names in the gaming industry, including Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming and Microgaming. These partnerships will enable EU9 to offer an even broader range of high-quality casino games and slot titles, making it the premier destination for online gaming enthusiasts. The brand’s collaboration with local payment providers will also streamline regional payment options, ensuring seamless deposits and withdrawals for players across Southeast Asia.
“We are thrilled to bring even more exciting gaming options to our users in the region. This expansion is a significant step in our journey to provide players with not just games, but a comprehensive, secure, and enjoyable online gaming experience,” said a spokesperson for EU9.
Security has always been a cornerstone of EU9’s operations, and with the launch of its expanded services, the platform is introducing enhanced bank-grade encryption, multi-factor authentication and real-time fraud monitoring. These state-of-the-art features ensure that EU9 continues to be the most trusted online casino in Malaysia, offering players peace of mind that their data and financial transactions are protected.
The platform’s transparent operations, certified random number generators (RNGs), and clear payout reports underscore EU9’s dedication to fairness and integrity, setting the bar for competitors in the region.
Understanding the mobile-first nature of Southeast Asia, EU9’s expansion includes the optimisation of its platform for both Android and iOS users. The brand’s seamless mobile interface ensures that players can enjoy high-quality gaming experiences with minimal data consumption and quick load times. With 24/7 live chat support and localised payment systems, EU9 continues to focus on delivering a tailored experience for players across Southeast Asia.
“We’re committed to ensuring that our players enjoy uninterrupted gameplay on the go. Our new partnerships and mobile optimization will make it easier than ever for players to engage with EU9 wherever they are,” said the spokesperson.
The post EU9 Expands Southeast Asia Presence with New Regional Partnerships in 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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