Though the Poker arena is
mostly dominated by male
players, another woman,
nicknamed Poker Diva due to
her flair for style, proved the
whole world that she can take
down whoever she likes in the
name of Poker.

Everybody knows that women
must make unusual efforts to
succeed in a gaming community
of mostly males. It seems that
women are judged differently to
show that they can really handle
the game.

Liz Lieu having well versed in
Poker has proven everyone that she is a fierce lioness who is always ready to kill the best of the best whether it be male or otherwise. Being a reputable cash game player, not to mention her growing resume of tournament finishes, she has mastered the environment that she’s destined to overcome.

Though she has Viatnamese roots, her family moved to the United States just a year after she was born. Lieu was raised in Colorado while her folks worked hard to give her and her sister the best life possible. Even though her parents were strict about good education, Lieu showed no sign of interest in doing daily homework.

At an early age, Lieu was already fond of playing cards, specifically Chinese Poker. By the time her 18th birthday came, she had already mastered playing cards and had begun running her own home game. Being a businesswoman at heart, Lieu and her friend built a game in Colorado focusing on Hold’em and Pai Gow. This marked the beginning of her rewarding journey within the realm of high states Poker.

An unfortunate tragedy struck her family around the time when she was harnessing her Poker potential. Lieu’s father suffered from heart attack. Thinking that this is a personal challenge, she decided to give up everything and focus more on playing cards so she can help her family pass the struggle they were facing.

Lieu went to Las Vegas and took her bankroll at higher level. She started making progress and eventually started playing $200-400 and beyond. Just like most Poker success stories, Lieu had to go through a number of hurdles. She got involved in personal relationships that lost her bankroll and had to start over again. It was a good thing that she had the support of her bestfriend, John Phan a professional player, who guided her so she could regain her strength. Listening to his advice, and having found a new motivation and determination to play, she began to own thePoker scene again.

Her strength to not give up and instead continue what she had started defines Lieu’s character. Continuously rising through the upper levels of the cash game world, many had suggested that she add tournaments to her growing repertoire. She entered her first major event at the 2005 WSOP and cashed three times, which included one final table giving her a 5th place and a pay day of $168,000, in the $1500 no limit Hold’em event.

Along with her other achievements, Lieu has many interests and projects. Inspired by people such as Barry Greenstein, Lieu, together with John Phan, built and led a foundation to help the poor in Vietnam. They regularly travel home bringing rice and food supplies to villages, children’s orphanages, elderly homes and about 60 different temples.