The World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championships delivered an electrifying week of poker, with standout events like the ClubWPT Gold $5M Freeroll Finale and the 2025 McLaren GTS Prize Draw capturing global attention. However, it was the WPT Ladies Championship that stole the show, as Tirza Sanders emerged victorious, claiming the coveted title and a top prize of $90,432.
A Record-Breaking Ladies Championship
The WPT Ladies Championship exceeded all expectations, shattering its $250,000 guarantee with a total prize pool of $470,450. With 485 entries battling for the title, the competition was fierce from start to finish.
The final table was a showcase of resilience and skill. Sanders began as a middle-of-the-pack contender but climbed steadily, dispatching opponents one by one to reach the heads-up stage against Jana De La Cerra. After a hard-fought duel, Sanders sealed her victory, pairing her king-queen against De La Cerra’s ace-nine to take home the trophy.
“It feels amazing. It’s unreal,” Sanders shared. “I’ve had a rough year, and to end it with this win feels incredible. I think I’ll be playing more Ladies Events after this!”
From Underdog to Champion
Sanders’ journey was anything but smooth. On Day 2, she started in 41st position out of 55 remaining players, a far cry from the leaderboards. But determination and key double-ups kept her afloat as bigger stacks fell by the wayside.
The bubble burst on Day 1, leaving 60 players in the money. Big names like PokerStars ambassador Caitlin Comeskey and Hall of Famer J.J. Liu were among those who missed out on a payday, proving just how competitive the field was.
Sanders navigated a turbulent final table. Her stack swelled after key hands, including a pivotal flip against Sinead Davenport. From there, she eliminated Mikiyo Aoki in a dramatic three-way all-in and sent Jenny Ding to the payout desk in fifth.
By the time Sanders faced off against De La Cerra, she had amassed a nearly 2:1 chip lead. De La Cerra fought back valiantly but ultimately succumbed to Sanders’ relentless pressure.
Final Table Drama and Results
The final table was packed with suspense, as players battled for a share of the $470,450 prize pool. Key moments included Sara Ralston eliminating Shannon Fahey in ninth and Davenport securing a dramatic double elimination earlier in the day.
Ralston, who dominated early, saw her momentum wane as Sanders surged. The Tucson native secured crucial pots and held firm under pressure, ultimately outlasting De La Cerra for the win.
Here’s a breakdown of the final table payouts:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tirza Sanders | $90,432 |
| 2 | Jana De La Cerra | $58,987 |
| 3 | Sinead Davenport | $45,803 |
| 4 | Sara Ralston | $35,833 |
| 5 | Jenny Ding | $27,318 |
| 6 | Krisha Augerot | $20,770 |
| 7 | Mikiyo Aoki | $15,522 |
| 8 | Camille Brown | $11,449 |
| 9 | Shannon Fahey | $8,346 |
A Moment to Celebrate
For Sanders, this win was a career-defining moment. It boosted her live tournament earnings tenfold and cemented her status as a rising star in the poker world.
Sanders’ victory is also a testament to the growing appeal of women’s poker events. With passionate players and record-breaking prize pools, the WPT Ladies Championship has set a high standard for future tournaments.
As the poker world continues to buzz over this year’s WPT World Championships, Tirza Sanders’ incredible win is sure to be remembered as one of its defining highlights.
