When the argument about the best female player in the game is debated, there are a host of names that come to the list. From the female pioneers in the game, such as Barbara Enright and Wendeen Eolis, to current stars such as Annie Duke and Jennifer Harman to even Annette Obrestad, who many think may be the future of poker, the list is highly contentious. For longevity, success and continued drive at the tables, poker professional Cyndy Violette has to be added to that list.

Violette, who was born in Queens, NY and grew up in Las Vegas, was indoctrinated into poker by her family. She played card games with them but it took some time before she was drawn to the game of poker. Violette learned the games the way many players have: by working blackjack and poker tables.

In 1984, Cyndy began playing poker tournaments (in her favorite form of poker, Seven Card Stud) and amassed a small bankroll. She continued to have strong performances at the table and this drove her to leave the dealer’s box and take on poker full time. In 1986 at the Golden Nugget, Violette earned a victory that was, at that time, the largest ever tournament win for a female ($74,000).

After some time away from the game and some difficulties in her personal life, Violette returned to the poker table. In 1994, Cyndy returned to having successful finishes and altogether has cashed in fifty tournaments in her lifetime, with five of those coming at the most recent World Series of Poker. Cyndy is also the proud owner of a WSOP bracelet, which she won in 2004 in the $2000 Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo event. Her tournament earnings in her career exceed $1.2 million and she is in the Top Ten when it comes to earnings by a female player.

Violette is a strong believer in a positive outlook on life and especially at the tables. This helps her tremendously and gives her the ability to concentrate on the game and not let the downswings of luck send her into tilt. Her sunny demeanor can also throw off her opponents, as her calm exterior and smile have an effect on whomever comes against her. Cyndy is arguably one of the better readers of board texture, most likely from her days in Seven Card Stud, and can escape the well-planned traps that many may spring at the No Limit table.

Now approaching the 25th anniversary of her start in the professional poker world, Cyndy Violette has proven that she is one of the best players in the game, male or female. As she continues on the poker trail, it is without doubt that Cyndy will continue to be one of the best players in the game in whatever discipline of poker is on the table.

Add a Comment