Transgender Poker Player Aubrey Williams Shrugs Off Online Hate During WSOP Ladies Championship Deep Run

Aubrey Williams, a transgender woman, is making waves in the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Ladies Championship, not just for her strong performance but also for her resilience against online hate. As she vied for a spot among the chip leaders on Day 4, Williams has publicly stated her focus remains on the game, dismissing the negativity she has encountered on social media.

A Seat at the Table

Williams entered the WSOP Ladies Championship with the simple belief that she belongs there. “I’m a woman, so I play in the women’s event,” she told PokerNews, emphasizing that her participation is not a political statement but a natural one. This straightforward approach has defined her tournament run, even as her success has drawn the attention of anti-transgender voices online. Despite the online vitriol, Williams remains unfazed, highlighting the stark contrast between anonymous internet comments and the welcoming atmosphere at her poker table.

A Journey Through Poker

Williams is a seasoned online poker professional with over $369,000 in live earnings according to Hendon Mob. Her poker journey began in middle school, inspired by the “Poker Boom” and figures like Chris Moneymaker. She rediscovered her passion in college, playing with roommates, and transitioned to playing online full-time around 2019. Her accomplishments include winning two WSOP Circuit rings in online events and a notable victory in a $40,000 guaranteed No-Limit Hold’em Monster Stack event in 2022. In early 2023, she achieved a significant win against high-stakes player Brock Wilson in the WSOP PA Circuit Main Event. Her most substantial poker payday came earlier this year when she won the Borgata Winter Poker Open $1,000 Hybrid Championship for $52,540.

Navigating Online Hate

Following her Borgata victory, Williams experienced a surge of hateful and transphobic comments on social media. She pointed out that these online trolls do not represent the reality of her interactions with fellow players. “The internet’s not a real place,” Williams remarked, drawing a parallel to a previous experience where positive interactions at the Borgata followed a BetMGM clip that generated negative online reactions. This sentiment has been echoed during her WSOP Ladies Championship run, where table mates have been consistently pleasant and welcoming.

Support from the Poker Community

While some online spaces have been hostile, many within the poker community have rallied around Williams. Other women players encouraged her to participate in ladies’ events, changing her initial reservations. “They are actually fun to play,” she noted. Prominent poker figures, including streamer Patrick Leonard and Global Poker Award winner Caitlin Comeskey, have publicly defended Williams against online attacks. Keith Becker, a BetRivers Poker streamer, also voiced his support, stating, “trans women are women” and that hateful voices do not represent the broader poker community.

Looking Ahead

With only 25 players remaining in the Ladies Championship, including other notable players like Lexy Gavin-Mather, Jessica Teusl, and Cherish Andrews, Williams is focused on her pursuit of her first WSOP bracelet. Her presence and success in the event highlight a growing inclusivity in poker, even as she continues to navigate the challenges posed by online negativity.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Player | Aubrey Williams |
| Event | 2026 WSOP Ladies Championship |
| Notable Accomplishments | Two WSOP Circuit rings (online), Borgata Winter Poker Open $1,000 Hybrid Championship winner |
| Stance on Online Hate | Unfazed, focuses on the game, views internet negativity as detached from real-world interactions |
| Community Support | Backed by fellow players and prominent poker personalities |

Williams’ experience underscores the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in poker and the contrast between online discourse and the realities of player interaction. For readers interested in poker tournaments and player stories, her journey offers a look at resilience and the community’s evolving dynamics.

Source: PokerNews – Transgender Woman Brushes Off Hate Amid Deep Run in WSOP Ladies Championship – https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026/06/poker-player-brushes-off-hate-in-ladies-championship-51696.htm

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