Leo Margets Makes History as First Woman in 30 Years to Reach WSOP Main Event Final Table

Key Points

• Leo Margets became the first woman in 30 years to reach the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table, finishing seventh for $1.5 million, the largest payout for a woman in the event’s history.pokernews.comcasino.org
• The Barcelona native, a 2021 WSOP bracelet winner, outlasted 9,735 entrants, entering the final table fifth with 53.4 million chips, celebrated by the poker community on X.
• Her run highlights poker’s male-dominated challenges, with unregulated platforms posing risks, urging bettors to choose licensed operators for safety.

On July 13, 2025, Leo Margets, a 41-year-old professional poker player from Barcelona, Spain, became the first woman in 30 years to reach the final table of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, securing at least $1 million and a shot at the $10 million top prize.

As only the second woman to achieve this feat since Barbara Enright’s fifth-place finish in 1995, Margets’ historic run ended in seventh place on July 15, earning $1.5 million—the largest payout for a woman in the event’s history. You’re witnessing a landmark moment in poker, highlighting both progress and challenges for women in the game.

Why Leo Margets Achievement Matters

Margets, a WSOP bracelet winner in 2021 for the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Closer event, entered Day 8 of the 2025 WSOP Main Event with 17.8 million chips, climbing to fifth place with 53.4 million by the final table.

The event, with 9,735 entrants—the third-largest field in history—saw her outlast players like Kristen Foxen (13th in 2024) and Gaelle Baumann (10th in 2012). A key hand against Sergio Veloso, where her pocket jacks hit a runner-runner flush against ace-king, propelled her to the final nine.

Posts on X, like those from the poker community, celebrated the milestone, noting its significance after a 30-year gap. For you, this underscores the rarity and prestige of her accomplishment in a male-dominated field.

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Impact on Poker and Leo Margets Legacy

Margets’ run, ending with a standing ovation and chants of “Leo, Leo” at Horseshoe Las Vegas, boosted her career earnings past $3.5 million, ranking her among Spain’s elite players.

Her $1.5 million prize surpassed Enright’s $114,180 in 1995, reflecting the event’s growth. The poker community, including Kristen Foxen and Maria Ho, rallied behind her, with WSOP CEO Ty Stewart praising her “humility and grace.”

However, her elimination on Day 1 of the final table, detailed by PokerNews, came in a tough hand against Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, who led with 445.5 million chips. For you, this could inspire exploring poker’s growing inclusivity, though unregulated platforms pose risks.

Challenges and Community Response

Despite her success, Margets’ exit highlighted poker’s unpredictability, with posts on X noting the emotional weight of her departure.

The 30-year gap since Enright’s run reflects the challenge for women, with only 4–5% of Main Event fields being female. Critics argue structural barriers, like high buy-ins and aggressive play styles, persist, while supporters see Margets’ run as a catalyst for change.

The $72 billion global gambling market amplifies the stakes, but unregulated sites could lure new players with risky promotions. For you, this emphasizes sticking with licensed platforms for fair play.

Broader Implications for Poker

Margets’ milestone, broadcast live on PokerGO, may boost female participation in poker, with her marathon-running mindset—emphasized in interviews—drawing parallels to tournament endurance.

The final table, including stars like Mizrachi and Kenny Hallaert, underscores the event’s prestige. However, the lack of female winners in the Main Event’s 56-year history remains a gap, with Margets falling short of the $10 million prize. This suggests a vibrant but competitive poker scene, where regulated platforms ensure safety amid growing interest.

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