partypoker screen name: krissyb24

“I fell in love with it instantly” Kristen says as she recalls the first time she played poker. Like many before her, Kristen was studying at university when a group of friends arranged a game one night. She stayed up playing until 11am the next morning and the rest, as they say, is history.

Kristen began her poker career as an online player, but has successfully made the transition to the live felt, amassing over $2M in cashes. Most notably, the young Canadian has already acquired two WSOP bracelets—the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em Ladies Championships in 2013 and a $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Bounty event in 2016—for a combined total of over $464,000.

Kristen further solidified her live credentials with a stellar 2018. She cashed for over $320k between May and August, and took down the APPT National High Roller in Macau for $279,549 in March. Expect to see Kristen making plenty of deep runs at upcoming partypoker LIVE events.

Scroll down for our Q&A with Kristen or to check out his poker stats click here.

What has been your toughest game/tournament?

My toughest tournament so far was the $10,000 6-Max event at the WSOP in 2017. There were a bunch of tough players and it was the most mentally challenging spot I’ve been put in so far. I’m not used to being filmed with hole cards being shown so that added another pressure on top of playing for a lot of money, against great players, and potentially what could have been my third WSOP bracelet.

What has been your biggest win so far?

My biggest win was the $1,500 Bounty WSOP event in 2016, for close to $300,000.

What would you say the highlight of your poker career has been?

The highlight of my poker career was when I won the WSOP Ladies Championships in 2013. It was my first win in a big live tournament, and the whole experience was incredibly positive and surreal. Everything went my way, and I had a team of amazing friends supporting me the whole time. It also gave me confidence to keep pushing myself further in the game.

What is your top poker tip?

My top poker tip is that no matter the level you are playing at, have fun and enjoy the game. Push yourself as hard as you're comfortable with. Don't expect to always win, or only enjoy it when you are winning. Be gracious when you win and when you lose. Find ways to enjoy the game regardless of the results. I have always found that when you're having fun and in a positive mindset, results are usually more positive too.

Are there any players that you look up to?

When I first got into poker, I was intrigued and looked up to Jennifer Harman. I tend to respect poker players who work hard, are humble with their success and are kind members of the community on a whole.

If you weren’t a poker player, what would you be?

If I weren't a poker player, I’d probably be a nutritionist or personal trainer. Health and fitness is a big passion of mine and is a field I have a very high level of interest in.

Do you have a favourite poker quote?

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”