Kelly Minkin An Inspiration For Women Poker Players Everywhere

Each year the WSOP Main Event draws more attention than any other poker tournament on the planet, and as well as the glory reserved for its ultimate champion, there is also an unofficial accolade to be won for being the competition’s ‘Last Woman Standing’. So much importance is attached to the title that past winners have subsequently found their profiles significantly raised in the game, including such players as Annie Duke (2000), Maria Ho (2007), Tiffany Michelle (2008), Leo Margets (2009) and Jackie Glazier (2013).
The latest lady to find herself on the illustrious list is Kelly Minkin, a defense attorney from Arizona, who finished the 2015 WSOP Main Event in 29th place out of 6,420 competitors for a $211,821 payday. However, the 28 year is no stranger to poker success and her latest huge score represents less than a third of her live career earnings of $744,021, which is even more impressive considering her first tournament cash was only in 2013.
Kelly Minkin’s deep run at the WSOP Main Event finally came to an end after Anton Morgenstern limped from the button, followed by a call from both Federico Butteroni (Q-10) on the small blind and Kelly Minkin (10-4) on the big blind. The 10-10-6 flop all but sealed her fate, and after Butteroni bet out, Milkin moved all-in and subsequently received no help from the Q and A which fell on turn and river. Commenting on the final hand in an interview with pokerupdate, Milkin said:
“By shoving over the small blinds donk bet, I felt like a lot of weaker hands and draws were potentially calling. Additionally, I was not folding three 10s in that spot with less than 20 big blinds, so I felt like it was the only play besides a hero fold. Not difficult. The decision was pretty much made for me on the flop.”
That was in mid-July, and since then Milkin has been taking a well-earned break from the tournament circuit, explaining that she was “heartbroken” after busting, and that “it is a very bittersweet feeling to accomplish so much and still be disappointed.” As to when she will next be in action at the poker tables, Milkin said it would likely happen in the next few months, depending upon her work schedule, and also when she is “mentally ready to play” again.
Wrapping up her interview, Kelly Minkin expressed her desire to see more women succeed in poker, and just like she was inspired to improve after hearing about Loni Harwood‘s gold bracelet win at the 2013 WSOP $1,500 No Limit Hold’em event for $609,017, Kelly likewise stated that:
“I hope that women can be less intimidated and more encouraged to play poker after seeing my deep run.”