Lisa Costello Triumphs at WPT Ladies Championship

In an exhilarating turn of events, Lisa Costello, a retired poker pro hailing from Las Vegas, clinched the title at the World Poker Tour's Ladies Championship. The gripping showdown unfolded live on YouTube, set against the backdrop of the Encore Ballroom at Wynn.

Costello, who had previously secured the Ladies Event title in 2014 and reached the final table in the 2015 WSOP Ladies No Limit Hold'em Championship, has amassed a total of $309,400 in poker winnings. However, her recent "champ" title marks the pinnacle of her career, netting her a substantial $85,297 in prize money and an illustrious trophy.

On the second day of the competition, Costello found herself with just five big blinds, a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Yet, she defied the odds and, a day later, claimed victory over 456 other participants. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she described the experience as "unbelievable" and an "incredible feeling," having played alongside some remarkable opponents.

Costello's formidable opponent in the final showdown was Ashley Sleeth, an accomplished poker player who also boasts a World Series of Poker Circuit ring from 2019 and a guest appearance on the CardsChat podcast. The intense final table featured other skilled players, with Kathy Stahl taking third place, Chris Read securing fourth place, Aylar Lie in fifth place, and Ada Lang in sixth place.

Costello's victory comes as a surprise after her extended hiatus from major tournaments. In a WPT interview, she revealed that, although she was once a full-time poker pro, she lost her motivation to continue grinding it out. Now, she can select the tournaments she wishes to participate in, and the WPT Ladies Championship was a highlight of the week-long celebration of women in poker.

The week's festivities included an invitation-only viewing party, where members of various women's poker organizations watched the televised episodes of the 2022 WPT Ladies Championship. Additionally, the Ladies Mimosa Meet-Up Game provided an opportunity for participants to compete for seats at the prestigious $1,100 WPT Prime event.

Lisa Costello's triumphant return to the poker scene serves as a testament to her unwavering passion and skill, earning her a well-deserved place in the annals of poker history.