SiGMA Divas crowns São Paulo champion - Daniela Candido Prestes
On April 4th, the Hilton São Paulo Morumbi hosted an all-female event with more than a competitive date for the SiGMA Divas Poker Tournament. As included in the wider SiGMA Poker Tour stop in São Paulo, this separate Ladies’ Event is again confirmed to be a key strategic element of the tour series from its competitive standing point; the great line-up of competitive female players that participated exemplifies how much the female community is dominating the poker industry right now.
This year’s event offers considerable excitement; it has made not only for an extremely competitive venue but also a highly visible and very rewarding way for the female players to connect. The participation of female players and viewers at this extraordinary event makes it a tremendous event for everyone involved in the poker industry in 2024 and beyond.
Strong turnout signals growth
The SiGMA Divas tournament had 82 entries and saw a sharp increase in overall engagement. Engagement has increased due to greater accessibility to the game, indicating a broader cultural shift in poker as a whole toward female participation. Additionally, it indicates a shift in the level of institutional support female players receive.
The overall vibe on the tournament floor was considerably different from that of traditional mixed-field tournaments. Players had a strong sense of competition; however, the atmosphere of the tournament was characterised by building community and supporting one another in engaging with poker. The Divas format continues to serve as an entry point for new players trying to establish their poker careers while also providing more established players the opportunity to reach new heights of performance.
High-value rewards elevate stakes
In addition to the primary prize pool, the tournament provided added-value incentives that made the event even more attractive. The champion, Daniela Candido Prestes, delivered an incredible performance and won the largest prize, R$7,000, plus a highly sought-after package to play at the SPT Mexico stop. By providing this reward structure, SiGMA is helping to create an international pathway for players.
Recognising bubble-finisher Sonia Regina Gagliano Alves was a great way to continue the excitement and reward experience beyond the last table, thus creating an inclusive and engaged player experience by using the SPT Special Edition package in Malta.
Final table delivers competitive edge
The concluding final table of events revealed an extremely robust and diverse set of players, highlighting the vast array of talent that had competed throughout the tournament. Of the 9 finalists, Daniela Candido Prestes played methodically, exuding composure and strategically navigating past many excellent players to secure the win.
Anna Colley finished second and was awarded R$5,000 for competing at an elite level and adding significant value to the overall event. Anna holds the coveted title of Head of the SiGMA Poker Tour and the prestige that comes with being one of the best performers in the poker industry. The third-place winner was Cristiane Ferreira Santos, who earned R$3,500 and rounded out a podium of established and accomplished poker players.
The remaining final table payouts are outlined below:
- Elisabeth Escarabichi – R$2,500
- Fernanda Marcielly Pereira Carvalho – R$1,850
- Carolina Da Fonseca Torelli – R$1,500
- Rosemeire Munhoz – R$1,200
- Layanne Albuquerque Bandeira – R$1,000
- Daiana Soares Alves – R$850
Further in the money positions:
- Eliane Franca De Oliveira Vieira – R$ 700
- Julia Lopes Antonelli – R$700
- Vilma Kazumi Tanaka Yatsunami – R$600
- Rafaela Maria Oliveira – R$ 600
- Marilisa Morais – R$550
- Priscila Pitta – R$550
- Ana Maria Pereira – R$ 500
- Flavia Minniti Bergamini – R$ 500
- Sonia Regina Gagliano Alves – SPT Malta Package
Building a long-term platform
Continued success of the SiGMA Divas initiative reveals a broader strategic objective. By incorporating female-focused initiatives at several of its larger tour venues, SiGMA is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive poker landscape. These tournaments will not be considered single events but rather part of an overall vision to build diversity and expand the pool of players over time.
Additionally, providing global packages as prizes at these events will further establish them as a platform for enhancing global visibility. While players will earn immediate monetary rewards for winning, they will also have the opportunity to advance their careers within the larger poker scene.
As SiGMA Divas gains momentum, it is establishing itself as a key part of the tour identity. This unique combination of competitive integrity and a focus on community values will ensure the tournament remains relevant and continues to grow within the global poker community.
For more updates, insights, and event coverage, visit the SiGMA Website.
