Kristen Foxen stands out as a dominant force in contemporary poker, boasting five World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and over $9.8 million in tournament earnings. Her journey—from her beginnings as a criminology student to becoming a poker legend—is a testament to determination, strategy, and perseverance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this remarkable poker player.
From St. Catharines to the Poker World
Kristen Bicknell was born on December 29, 1986, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Her father, Pete Bicknell, was a renowned race car driver and a Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame member. From a young age, Kristen competed in male-dominated environments. She participated in Go Kart races and showed a tenacity that would later define her poker career.
Kristen discovered poker during her first year at university. While studying Criminology, she was invited to a card game. This sparked a passion that would transform her life. What began as a recreational activity quickly became a strategic obsession. Kristen immersed herself in online poker, playing hundreds of hands a year as “krissyb24” on PokerStars. She achieved “Supernova Elite” status for three consecutive years.
Rise on the Professional Circuit
Kristen’s transition to the live circuit was as impressive as her rise online. Her aggressive yet calculated style helped her stand out. She combined this with an exceptional ability to read opponents. She quickly rose among the top players in the world. In 2017, the Global Poker Index (GPI) recognized her as the number one female live tournament player, surpassing Maria Ho.
Kristen has accumulated over 84 cashes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and has reached final tables in multiple European Poker Tour (EPT) and World Poker Tour (WPT) events. Although she has yet to win titles in the latter two circuits, her consistency and presence in the final stages of tournaments solidify her status as an elite competitor.
WSOP Breakthrough and Dominance
Kristen’s first major moment came in 2013. She won the $1,000 Ladies No Limit Hold’em Championship at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). This earned her first gold bracelet and $173,922 in prize money. The victory was not just a financial boost. It also put her on the map as a professional player to watch.
In 2016, Kristen captured her second bracelet in the $1,500 Bounty No-Limit Hold’em event, earning $290,768. Unlike her first women-only win, this mixed-field victory proved her talent transcended gender categories.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halted most live tournaments, but Kristen’s momentum continued. During the WSOP Online series, she won her third bracelet in the $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed event, earning $356,412. This win reinforced her versatility, showing mastery in both live and online environments.
In 2023, Kristen made history by becoming the first woman to win a fourth WSOP bracelet, triumphing in the WSOP Online $888 No-Limit Hold’em Crazy 8’s event. But Foxen didn’t stop there— in October 2024, she won Event 19: $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Max at WSOP Online under the screen name “Saraswati,” earning $56,703 and her fifth WSOP bracelet. With this victory, Kristen became the woman with the most bracelets in WSOP history, surpassing legends like Vanessa Selbst (who held three bracelets at the time).
Name Change
Kristen Bicknell changed her last name to Kristen Foxen after marrying fellow professional poker player Alex Foxen in April 2022. The wedding was a private ceremony in the Florida Keys. Immediately after the wedding, the couple skipped their honeymoon to compete in the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open in Hollywood, Florida, where both achieved notable results (Kristen reached a final table, and Alex finished second in a high roller).
It’s worth noting that Kristen and Alex have competed in several tournaments and are considered a poker “power couple.” Kristen has made it clear that her professional identity stands on its own merit, though she often acknowledges the crucial role her husband plays in her success.
This emotional stability and mutual professional support have been fundamental pillars in facing the inevitable ups and downs of high-stakes poker, where fortune can shift quickly and mental resilience is as vital as technical skill.
Playing Style and Philosophy
Kristen Foxen is known for a methodical and aggressive approach. Her ability to adapt to different opponents and situations makes her a versatile player. In interviews, she has mentioned being inspired by figures like Jennifer Harman, whom she admires for her composure and respect at the tables.
Kristen has also shown great discipline off the felt. She maintains a consistent study routine, reviews hands, analyzes statistics, and stays up to date with metagame trends. This dedication has been key to remaining at the top for over a decade.
Impact and Legacy
Kristen Foxen’s legacy goes beyond titles and earnings. She has paved the way for a new generation of female players, proving that success in poker knows no gender. Her story inspires those seeking to stand out in a competitive environment, and her presence in media and social networks has helped spotlight female talent in poker.
With over $9.8 million in live tournament earnings and $6.1 million online, Kristen Foxen ranks among the most profitable female players of all time. Her career continues to rise, and each tournament is a new opportunity to keep writing poker history.
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