Annie Duke (The Duchess of Poker)

Professional poker player, writer, litigator, philanthropist, Annie Duke is a personality apart in the gaming world. Now retired, the woman nicknamed "The Duchess of Poker" has left her mark on the industry through her performances and her various media, legal and charitable projects.

Born in Concord, New Hampshire on September 13, 1965, Annie Duke, grew up in a family of card-playing enthusiasts. Her father Richard taught her poker at an early age, as well as her brother Howard Lederer, who would also become a professional player. With a degree in psychology and English from Columbia University, Annie occasionally visits her brother Howard in Las Vegas. He helped her progress technically and provided her with a starting bankroll to try her luck at the tables. After a successful first year, she decides to move to Las Vegas to become a professional player.

A fifteen-year career and a few million

On her Nevada debut, she reaches a first WSOP final table in the $2,500 Limit Hold'em. Annie multiplies honorable performances in regular tournaments as well as at the WSOP, notably reaching 2nd place in the Seven Stud event in 1996, for $72,000. In 2000, she finished 10th in the Main Event for $52,160, in the edition won by Chris Ferguson. She went on to win a bracelet in the 2004 Omaha Hi-Lo Split for $137,860. A few months later, she was invited to take part in the Tournament of Champions, which she won against a legendary field for $2,000,000. Her other major feat of arms would come at the $20,000 NBC National Heads-Up Championship in 2010, where she defeated Erik Seidel for half a million dollars.

Legal activities and philanthropy

In addition to her activities as a player, Annie Duke will engage in several battles related to representation, sponsorship, or the image rights of poker players. In 2006, she successfully sued the WPT brand to change the regulations governing players' image rights. Annie will also publicly oppose the Ladies Event at the WSOP, arguing that it suggests an intellectual difference between the two genders. The woman nicknamed "The Duchess of Poker" will participate in the WSOP Council as well as the WSOP Poker Academy, where she will coach a number of celebrities, including Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

Annie is also known for her philanthropic activities. In 2008, she set up the "Ante Up for Africa" project with actor Don Cheadle and her friend Norman Epstein, raising funds by holding major poker tournaments to benefit African countries. Annie will appear on several shows and host numerous charity tournaments to raise donations and help associations of various stripes.