Six men played the WSOP Ladies Event, one in drag.
Poker pro Shaun Deeb appeared in woman’s clothing and makeup to play in the 2010 World Series of Poker Ladies Event, upsetting many players and event organizers. Deeb isn’t the first man to play in a ladies event, and not the first at the WSOP, but this year his antics and the fact that he was joined by five other men have raised some serious questions about the way the event is run.
No rule states that men are prevented from registering and playing in the event, and some women don’t seem to mind. In fact famed female poker pro Annie Duke not only doesn’t mind, she thinks Ladies Events are a mistake to begin with, that they encourage women to avoid playing in open tournaments.
Deeb’s decision to play in drag seemed ill conceived. Though he claimed it was because of a lost prop bet, he felt compelled to change clothes and wash off the make up during a break. Deeb fielded hostilities from other players – both in the event and via Twitter – with a defensive stance, stating that “some” of whatever he won would go to women’s charities.
The WSOP Communications Director Seth Palansky was not amused by the antics of Deeb and at least one other male player, who received a two round penalty from Palansky because he was using a tampon as a card protector. Palansky expressed his position on the subject, saying, “We will have our repercussions against any man that entered the ladies tournament. There are consequences for actions, and they’ll pay the price. Players with no class can have their services refused at any time.”
Duke had her own statement on the subject, taking the side of those who think a Ladies Event is a bad idea: “Men are not mentally stronger than we are, so it makes no sense to separate it out. If there were a men’s only event, people would be encouraging women to play.”
Duke holds her own in the poker world, without a doubt – players who want to take her on to prove their mettle canfind her online at UB.com