Japan’s Shiina Okamoto finished as runner-up last year, but took the title this year
Japan’s Shiina Okamoto emerged victorious in the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Ladies No-Limit Hold’em Championship, a title she narrowly missed out on claiming in 2023. This year, her determination paid off, overcoming a field of 1,245 players to secure the coveted WSOP bracelet and a top prize of $171,732.
Okamoto’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. After falling short in 2023, she entered the 2024 event with a clear goal: “I want to retrieve the things I left behind last year,” she declared on social media on Day 1. Her dedication paid off as she amassed a significant chip stack by Day 2, fueling her belief in achieving victory.
The four-day tournament saw several notable players eliminated throughout the competition. Alexandra Loveless, Jennifer Shahade, and Robyn Alvis were among those who fell before the money bubble burst on Day 2.
The final table featured six players, with Okamoto and Jamie Kerstetter starting with the most chips. Kerstetter secured the first knockout, sending Cecile Ticherfatine out in sixth place with a lucky river card that completed her flush.
The momentum shifted when Okamoto began accumulating chips. A key hand saw Israel’s Mor Kamber lose her open-ended straight flush draw to Kerstetter’s dominant flush, followed by Linda Durden’s unfortunate elimination in fourth place. Ceci Liao’s pocket queens were no match for Okamoto’s pocket kings, leaving her in third place.
Heads-up play commenced with Kerstetter holding a slight chip lead, but a crucial bluff attempt backfired, allowing Okamoto to snatch the lead with her deuces full of aces. The final hand saw Okamoto capitalize on a favorable flop, turning two pair against Kerstetter’s top pair. Despite a valiant effort, Kerstetter’s hand couldn’t overcome Okamoto’s growing stack, resulting in a second-place finish and a career-high payday of $114,479.
Okamoto’s victory marks a significant milestone in her poker career. With this win, her total live tournament earnings surpass $408,567, with the majority stemming from her WSOP success. This championship not only solidifies her skills but also serves as a testament to her perseverance and unwavering determination.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
