The North Carolina native captured her biggest cash to date and a trip to the Winter Poker Festival
Sheila Stimson achieved a significant milestone in her poker career by winning the Women’s Event at the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) in Las Vegas. The North Carolina poker player claimed her biggest payout to date, earning $11,380 after a tough battle in the $330 buy-in event held at Resorts World Las Vegas. But her victory wasn’t just about the cash—Stimson also won a package to the PokerStars Women’s Winter Poker Festival in London, with a £100,000 (US$130,000) guaranteed prize at the Hippodrome Casino.
The tournament attracted a total of 182 entries, creating a prize pool of $50,960, and saw 27 players finishing in the money. Among those who made deep runs were well-known poker personalities, including Caitlin Comeskey, who secured fifth place for $3,000, PokerStars ambassador Marle Spragg, and PokerStars’ Women in Poker ambassador, Kerryjane Craigie, both of whom cashed but didn’t reach the final table.
In a thrilling conclusion to the event, Stimson faced off against World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring winner Christina Gollins in heads-up play. After a hard-fought match, Stimson emerged victorious, clinching the title and her first major poker win in Sin City. She shared that her participation was almost accidental—she had taken time off work, with a friend covering her shift, without realizing the tournament might extend into the next day.
Reflecting on her win, Stimson expressed her excitement, revealing that she had relocated to Las Vegas just last year to pursue her poker dreams. The trip to London, however, was an unexpected bonus. She hadn’t realized the Women’s Event included a package for the PokerStars Women’s Winter Festival, and now, she’ll be making her first-ever trip to that city.
Stimson’s win is not just a financial boost; it marks a new chapter in her poker journey. She plans to approach her newfound success strategically, celebrating the win as an essential step toward her long-term poker goals. The victory underscores her commitment to the game and the bold move she made to build her poker career in Las Vegas.
