Olivia Boeree

Childhood

Liv Boeree grew up in the South East of England, with fond memories of Maidstone where she developed a strong love for nature and horse riding. She attended Ashford School, known for fostering self-reliance and determination, before earning a First Class Honours degree in Physics with Astrophysics from the University of Manchester in 2005. During her university years, she was also active as a lead guitarist in heavy metal bands Dissonance and Nemhaim and modeled for alternative clothing brands, reflecting a diverse range of interests beyond academics.

Career

Boeree's introduction to poker came in 2005 when she was selected as one of five contestants on the reality TV show Ultimatepoker.com Showdown, where she was coached by poker legends Phil Hellmuth, Annie Duke, and Dave Ulliott. This experience ignited her passion for the game, leading her to pursue poker professionally.

Her notable achievements include winning the 2008 Ladbrokes European Ladies Championships and, most prominently, the 2010 EPT main event in Sanremo, where she won €1,250,000, becoming the third woman ever to win an EPT title. In 2017, she won a WSOP bracelet in the $10,000 Tag Team No-Limit Hold'em Championship alongside her boyfriend Igor Kurganov, earning $273,964.

Boeree has also secured a runner-up finish in the 2014 UKIPT Edinburgh Main Event, first place in Poker After Dark in 2017, and third place in the EPT Barcelona High Roller event in 2015. She was a member of Team PokerStars Pro from 2010 until her departure in 2019, after which she initially retired from professional poker. However, she made a remarkable return in 2024 at the WSOP Paradise Event in The Bahamas, finishing fourth in the $25,000 Super Main Event and cashing out $2,800,000-the highest payout ever for a female poker player

Personal life

Liv Boeree lives in London and maintains a close connection to her roots in Maidstone. She has a strong affinity for nature and horse riding, interests that have stayed with her since childhood. She is also known for her relationship with fellow poker professional Igor Kurganov, with whom she won the WSOP Tag Team event in 2017.

Revenue

As of January 2020, Boeree's total live tournament earnings exceeded $3.8 million. Her 2024 WSOP cash-out of $2.8 million significantly boosted her standing, placing her fourth on the all-time women's money list and setting a record for the largest single payout by a female poker player.

Interesting facts

• Boeree is the only woman to have won both a WSOP bracelet and an EPT title.
• Before her poker career, she was a lead guitarist in heavy metal bands and a model for alternative fashion brands.
• She co-founded Raising for Effective Giving, a charity promoting effective altruism, which has raised over $14 million for various causes.
• She holds a Doctorate of Science, Honoris Causa, from the University of Hull for her contributions to STEM education and outreach.
• Boeree has delivered TED Talks on decision-making and probability, emphasizing her analytical approach to poker and life
  

Legacy

Liv Boeree's legacy extends beyond her poker achievements. She has broken gender barriers in a male-dominated sport, inspiring women worldwide to pursue poker professionally. Her scientific background and advocacy for rational philanthropy highlight her commitment to intellectual rigor and social impact. Through her media presence, charity work, and public speaking, Boeree continues to influence both the gambling world and broader scientific and philanthropic communities.