Maria Ho

Maria Ho is a well-known public figure in the poker world. After her biggest win ever in a $5000 tournament at the 2011 WSOP (she finished 2nd for a $540,020 payout), she was hired to host several poker-related shows. You've probably already seen her on the Heartland Poker Tour or the NBC Sports Super High Roller Bowl. She's known for her cheerful tone and constant good humor. She is perceived by those close to her as a very positive person.

Inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame

In 2018, Maria Ho was inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. With $4.5 million accumulated in tournaments, Ho is the 4th woman on the list in terms of winnings (the first being Vanessa Selbst with $12 million in winnings). In addition to her major win in 2011, she made a name for herself in the 2012 WSOP Main Event when she was the last woman eliminated from the tournament (Last Woman Standing). That year, she finished 38th in the event for a win of $237,865.

Multiple television appearances

As mentioned above, Maria is also a public figure who has been seen on television on numerous occasions. Notably on The Amazing Race in 2001, when she competed in the all-female season. She also appeared on American Idol in 2002. She also appeared on Deal or No Deal in 2005. She's still as active as ever as of today's date (2023), continuing to play poker, investing in numerous personal projects and volunteering (notably for L.A. Works, a well-known volunteer club in Los Angeles).