Runner-Up No More: Shiina Okamoto Wins Ladies Event with Fierce Determination and Confidence
After finishing as the runner-up last year, Japan's Shiina Okamoto etched her name into poker history by clinching her first bracelet in Event #71: $1,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em at the World Series of Poker. Okamoto triumphed over 1,245 competitors to claim the top prize of $171,732 at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.
Okamoto faced off in heads-up play against a formidable opponent in poker personality and beloved player Jamie Kerstetter, who began the day with a commanding chip lead. Kerstetter, known for her extensive experience with nearly 200 cashes in WSOP events, earned a respectable payday of $114,479.
The rail around the feature table was bustling with supporters, as each of the six remaining players had their own contingent of friends, fans, and family cheering them on. Particularly memorable was the spirited support for Linda Durden, with chants of "Linda, Linda, Linda," echoing even after her fourth-place finish. Okamoto also enjoyed strong backing from a Japanese crowd rooting for her.
Meanwhile, Kerstetter's entourage added their own flair with chants of "Who let the dogs out," a nod to Kerstetter's fondness for canine companions she sometimes brings to the table.
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shiina Okamoto | Japan | $171,732 |
| 2 | Jamie Kerstetter | United States | $114,479 |
| 3 | Ceci Liao | United States | $81,573 |
| 4 | Linda Durden | United States | $58,910 |
| 5 | Mor Kamber | Israel | $43,125 |
| 6 | Cecile Ticherfatine | France | $32,007 |
| 7 | Susan Bluer | United States | $24,090 |
| 8 | Haruna Fujita | Japan | $18,390 |
| 9 | Andrea Sager | United States | $14,242 |
Winner’s Reaction
Reflecting on her victory, Okamoto expressed excitement about celebrating with her friends and family from Japan. "After finishing second last year and with all my supporters here, winning this year feels even more special," she remarked through a translator.
She conveyed a message of gratitude to those who couldn't be present this year, adding that her confidence stemmed from the experience gained in the previous tournament. Despite her relatively short poker career, Okamoto has already proven herself as a rising star and vowed to return next year to defend her title.
Last year in this very event, Okamoto entered the final day with an overwhelming chip lead but fell just shy and finished second to Tamar Abraham. Okamoto went on to post two more cashes at the 2023 WSOP, including the record-breaking Main Event, and added another pair of cashes this summer before breaking through for her first bracelet.
Final Day Action
All returning players were guaranteed a minimum payout of $32,007, though each aimed for their career-best cash. Cecile Ticherfatine of France, who garnered widespread encouragement from fellow French supporters, was the first to exit against Kerstetter. Ticherfatine praised the camaraderie among players in the women's tournament and expressed appreciation for the overwhelming French backing.
Mor Kamber, a former military intelligence officer from Israel turned poker product manager, made a strong impression but ultimately fell victim to Kerstetter in a flush-over-flush showdown. Durden, a retired school teacher, then departed in fourth amid chants from her enthusiastic supporters.
Three-handed play saw Ceci Liao, who also had the support of her boyfriend and friends on the rail, holding the shortest stack, while Kerstetter led comfortably over Okamoto. Despite Liao's solid play, she couldn't overcome the chip deficit and bowed out after her queens ran into Okamoto's kings.
The heads-up battle spanned over fifty hands, during which Okamoto steadily built her advantage over Kerstetter. Both players remained composed under pressure, but Okamoto capitalized on key opportunities. In the final hand, Okamoto hit two pair on the turn and pushed all in, with Kerstetter's pair of aces unable to mount a comeback.
With Okamoto's victory, the Ladies Championship has concluded, but stay tuned to PokerNews for coverage of all the remaining events at the 2024 World Series of Poker.