David Hughes Wins Women-Only Poker Tournament in Florida

In April 2023, 70-year-old David Hughes did something that sparked plenty of debate in the poker world. He entered a ladies-only event, outlasted a field of 82 women, and walked away with the first-place prize.

The tournament was the $250 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em event during the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Hughes was the only man among 83 total entries. He took home $5,555 after defeating Dayanna Ciabaton heads-up.

How He Got In

Florida’s anti-discrimination laws prevent casinos from excluding players based on sex. As a result, the casino could not legally bar Hughes from the event simply because he is male. He did not claim to identify as a woman. He later said the ladies event was the only tournament available when he arrived that day after driving several hours to the casino.

Other players in the field responded by putting a bounty on his head. Contributions grew to more than $2,000, creating an extra incentive for someone to knock him out. Hughes even added $100 of his own money to the bounty pot at one point. No one claimed it because he won the tournament.

The Reaction

The result drew mixed responses. Some players and observers criticized the decision to enter a women’s event, arguing that these tournaments exist to give female players more opportunities and a welcoming space. Others pointed to the legal reality in Florida and noted that similar situations have occurred at other major series when rules do not allow gender-based exclusion.

Hughes later said he found the experience entertaining and that the bounty money ultimately boosted the prize pool for the women who finished in the money. He indicated he did not plan to make a habit of entering ladies events.

The episode remains a notable example of how state laws, tournament structures, and player expectations can collide at the poker table.

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