Maria Ho

Maria Ho was born in Taipei, Taiwan she is now a United States resident. She’s a top-ranking poker player with over $4.5 million in live tournament earnings, boasts a remarkable poker career. A 2018 Women in Poker Hall of Fame nominee and four-time WSOP Main Event Last Woman Standing sets her apart in the poker world. She also made history as the first female commentator on a poker TV broadcast team. Let’s explore Maria Ho’s life, poker journey, achievements, and the highlights of her poker career.

Maria Ho: Early Life

Maria’s college dorm mates at the University of California, San Diego, introduced her to the world of poker during a private game. Her initial triumph ignited her passion for the game. This newfound enthusiasm led her to frequenting Indian Casinos, where she primarily engaged in Limit Hold’em cash games. Over time, her skills sharpened, and she began consistently winning, relying on poker as a dependable source of income.

Following her 2005 graduation with a major in Communications and a minor in Law, Ho decided to pursue a poker career. She ventured to Las Vegas to compete in the World Series of Poker, emerging with a prize of $2,780. Back in California, she discreetly transitioned into the world of professional poker, embracing a new career path. She recognized her parents’ adherence to traditional Chinese values, foreseeing their disapproval of her chosen path with clarity and understanding.

Maria Ho: Poker Career

Maria Ho’s poker career has been a success, amassing $4.5 million in earnings across 175 recorded live poker cashes—to date. This stands as a testament to her exceptional talent. In 2007, her journey began at the WSOP, where she made a significant run in the Main Event. She finished 38th and earned $237,865. This event marked a crucial milestone in her poker career.

In 2011, she secured a runner-up finish, trailing behind Allen Bari in the $5,000 NLH event, earning $540,020. Her desire for a coveted bracelet was evident, although it remained elusive throughout her career. However, in August 2013, she claimed victory at The River Poker Series $5K buy-in No Juice tournament, pocketing $101,220.

Ho serves as a warning to fellow poker players, driven to pursue her dreams and attain excellence. After numerous cashes worldwide, including notable top place finishes at events like the 2016 WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star ($179,930) and the 2017 WSOP Europe Main Event ($202,875), her standout year arrived in 2019. During this remarkable year, she triumphed in the $25K Commerce High Roller, claiming $276,690. Additionally, she secured a 3rd-place finish at the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, winning $344,960. She completed the streak with a 5th-place finish in the 53rd WSOP $7,000 NLH Super Turbo Bounty event in July 2022, earning $131,655.

Ho has an impressive eight final tables at the World Series of Poker. It is no doubt that she remains steadfast in her pursuit of the coveted bracelet. In contrast, her success at the WPT includes one title and a total of four final tables.

Furthermore, Ho’s primary goal in poker today is to promote the game positively and help it shed its negative stereotypes. Ho grew up in a traditional environment where a woman pursuing a career in poker was considered unconventional. She recognizes the ongoing challenges of changing perceptions about the game, often still associated with gambling rather than skill. Ho aims to present poker positively, fostering engagement and opportunities for the community, players, and the game itself.

Maria Ho: Beyond The Cards

Maria Ho is not just a poker pro. She is respected as a TV host and commentator, she is associated with prestigious events such as the World Series of Poker, Super High Roller Bowl, European Poker Tour, Heartland Poker Tour, PokerStars and Poker Night: The Tour. Primarily a player, Ho occasionally joins commentary and won the Global Poker Award for Broadcaster of the Year in 2019. Additionally, she was inducted into the Women In Poker Hall of Fame in 2018, her first eligible year.

Beyond her poker pursuits, Ho is also dedicated to global philanthropy. Ho’s impactful philanthropy spanned nine years supporting the NASCAR Foundation’s poker fundraiser. She also constantly contributes to the Tiger Woods Foundation “Tiger Jam” since 2015.

In May 2023, Maria Ho became the debut brand ambassador for PokerGO Play, a social-gaming poker game introduced by PokerGO and Gala Games. She is also a brand ambassador for cryptocurrency entity StormX, who collaborated with PokerGO on various projects.

Ho’s diverse involvement extends to television appearances on shows like Amazing Race, Anderson Cooper 360 and American Idol showcasing her passion for both poker and a multifaceted life. In her personal life, she’s in a relationship with German superstar Rainer Kempe.

Conclusion

Maria Ho’s poker career, with over $4.5 million in earnings and numerous accomplishments, reflects her exceptional talent and dedication. This was evident in her remarkable journey from a college dorm game to becoming a top-ranking female poker player and commentator. Her contributions to promoting poker and philanthropic efforts show her commitment to making a positive impact—inside and outside poker. With a track record of notable achievements, we eagerly await her future poker tournaments.