Kristen Foxen, a standout in the world of professional poker, continues to dominate the game with another monumental victory. The Canadian pro claimed her second consecutive win in the PokerGO Tour Kickoff finale, earning a $197,625 payout. This win brings her career tournament earnings to an impressive $10,676,511, placing her within striking distance of overtaking Vanessa Selbst as the highest-earning female poker player in history.
A Record-Breaking Streak in the Making
Foxen, known for her tactical prowess and mental fortitude, has been steadily cementing her place in poker history. Her win in the $10,000 buy-in finale marks her 14th career title and adds to an already glittering résumé that includes five World Series of Poker bracelets—more than any other female player.
This wasn’t just a repeat victory but a statement of consistency. Last year, she triumphed in the same event, defeating poker legend Daniel Negreanu in a dramatic heads-up finish. With her latest victory, Foxen now trails Vanessa Selbst on the women’s all-time earnings leaderboard by just $222,516.
Battling a Tough Field to Claim Victory
The $10,000 event drew 93 entries, generating a prize pool of $930,000. After two days of intense competition at the PokerGO Studio inside the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Foxen emerged victorious. The final table featured some of the biggest names in the sport, but Foxen’s strategic gameplay and composure saw her dominate the field.
The action-packed day began with Foxen holding the chip lead, and she wasted no time solidifying her position. Here’s how the final seven players fared:
- 7th Place: Neil Warren – $37,200
- 6th Place: Nick Seward – $46,500
- 5th Place: Andrew Moreno – $65,100
- 4th Place: Jeremy Ausmus – $83,700
- 3rd Place: Stephen Song – $111,600
A Deal at the Top and a Nail-Biting Finish
Foxen’s final opponent was two-time bracelet winner Joao Simao. Both players agreed to an even split of the remaining prize money, pocketing $197,625 each. However, the title and the accompanying ranking points remained up for grabs.
The deciding hand encapsulated the excitement of competitive poker. Foxen limped in with 9♣7♠, only for Simao to raise with A♠10♥. The flop revealed a 7♥4♠3♥, giving Foxen top pair. Despite an aggressive check-raise by Simao, Foxen stayed the course. When the river paired the board with an 8♥, Simao shoved his remaining chips, prompting a lengthy deliberation by Foxen. Her eventual call sealed the win, thanks to her two pairs with a nine kicker.
Climbing the PokerGO Tour Leaderboard
Foxen’s win in the finale wasn’t her only success in the PokerGO Tour Kickoff series. She cashed in three of the five events, accumulating 525 points to claim the top spot on the season-long leaderboard. Coupled with a runner-up finish in the PGT Last Chance festival earlier this month, Foxen’s early-year form has positioned her as a formidable contender in the 2025 Player of the Year standings, where she currently sits in 10th place.
A Field of Heavyweights
The PokerGO Tour Kickoff attracted a stellar line-up of players, including reigning Player of the Year Jeremy Ausmus and European Poker Tour Barcelona champion Stephen Song. Ausmus, fresh off a PGT Championship win, saw his run end in fourth place after an unfortunate clash with Foxen. Song, on the other hand, fell victim to Simao’s pocket fives, which held strong against Song’s A♣K♥.
Andrew Moreno, a seasoned pro and winner of the 2021 Wynn Millions, also made a deep run but exited in fifth place after a dramatic three-way all-in hand. Despite the high level of competition, Foxen’s ability to adapt and outplay her opponents under pressure proved decisive.
What’s Next for Foxen?
With this victory, Foxen has set the stage for what could be a historic year. A mere $222,516 away from breaking the all-time women’s earnings record, she is closer than ever to surpassing Vanessa Selbst. Beyond individual accolades, her stellar performances have reaffirmed her as one of the most consistent players in modern poker.
As the PokerGO Tour continues, all eyes will be on Foxen as she strives to further etch her name in poker history. For now, the Canadian star has every reason to celebrate her latest triumph in Las Vegas, a city where dreams are made and champions rise.
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