Leo, who after day six had moved up to 18th place in the standings with just 62 players left from an original 6,492, was one of the very last few players to enter for this year’s WSOP following a conversation between herself and her employees, as she explains:

“I returned from playing in the WSOP women’s event in Vegas a few weeks ago and just had a feeling that if I could go back for the main event I would do well. It was just a hunch, but it’s proved right! I approached 888.com who had sponsored me in the women’s event, and asked if they would sponsor me through the main WSOP tournament. Very kindly, they agreed and I’m glad I’ve repaid their trust by getting this far!” 

And as a marathon runner herself, she is well aware that there is still along way to go, even at this relatively late stage in the competition and with a healthy 3.65 million chips to her name:

“Playing poker is a bit like running a marathon – you have to make the right moves, increase the pace, and go with the leaders at the right time. This WSOP event is just the same. I’m just tucked in behind the leaders, but there are still plenty of others in contention – if the pace increases now I can’t be left behind otherwise I won’t make the final table. But I’m proud to be the final woman left in the competition!”

Leo works as a poker marketing manager for 888.com and as such is used to promoting other 888.com sponsored players at online poker tournaments and offline events such as the one she is now starring in:

“I’ve been helping make 888.com the place for people to play poker at for over two years now, and although I’ve won a few minor tournaments this is really is a big break through for me! If there’s one tip I can give for anyone thinking of playing poker for the first time it’s to use the free tutorials and free poker games at www.888.com”