The Ladies International Poker Series stopped at Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, Okla., recently for its United States Ladies Poker Championship. The $300 event drew 80 entries and after a hard-fought tournament Dori Coyle of Plano, Texas, won the title for $5,920 and a $250 seat to the LIPS Poker Queen Championship this summer in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget.
Debbie Espe of Georgetown, Texas, was second for $3,700 and Lisa Schuessler of Durant got third ($2,590). When asked about her championship, Coyle said, “It was a great tournament and a fabulous structure, which is why I decided to fire another bullet late in the day Saturday. A very strong final table with a lot of classy ladies.”
LIPS was founded in 2004 by Lupe Soto with a vision: to promote and provide tournaments for female players seeking opportunities to challenge other women in comfortable, friendly and competitive environments.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, LIPS, best known for the Queen Grand Championship, U.S. Ladies Championship, Canadian Ladies Championship and various state championships, founded the Women in Poker Hall of Fame in 2008.
“LIPS is thrilled to have had the opportunity to hold the U.S. Ladies Poker Championship at Choctaw Casino,” Soto said. “The location and the property couldn’t be more perfect as it’s centrally located in the country and the amenities are first-class. The Choctaw management and staff went out of their way to help make this event extra special for the ladies in attendance. We look forward to growing this event into the premier event in women’s poker.”
As a final note, Choctaw poker room hostesses Regina Young and Cyndi “Skippy” May did a great job keeping the waiting lists in good order and making sure the magazine racks were full with the latest issues of Ante Up for players to read. The players and staff really appreciate the excellent effort shown by these two friendly faces every day.
