Maria Ho

Maria Ho (traditional Chinese: 何亭雨; born March 6, 1983, in Taipei, Taiwan) moved to the United States at a young age. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a major in Communications and a minor in Law. Ho was first introduced to poker during college home games with friends, quickly developing a passion for the game. After building her bankroll through recreational play, she decided to pursue poker professionally.

Ho made her mark on the poker world in 2007 when she finished 38th out of 6,358 players in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, becoming the last woman standing and earning $237,865. This result was one of the best performances by a female player in the event's history at the time. She followed up with a deep run in the 2009 WSOP $10,000 Limit Hold'em Championship, finishing 11th in a tough field.

Over her career, Ho has amassed 219 live tournament cashes, with total earnings exceeding $5.5 million. She has eight WSOP cashes and three World Poker Tour (WPT) cashes to her name. In 2023, Ho won the final episode of "Game of Gold" on PokerGO, adding to her list of accomplishments. She has also appeared on high-profile televised shows such as "Poker After Dark" and "No Gamble, No Future." Despite her success, she has not yet won a WSOP bracelet.

Ho is widely recognized for her work as a television host and commentator. She has served as a host and analyst for the World Series of Poker and ESPN 360, providing insightful commentary on poker strategy. Her clear, logical analysis has made her a popular figure among viewers. She was also a member of the Los Angeles Sunset team in the Global Poker League, playing alongside actor Aaron Paul.

Maria Ho is known for a tight-aggressive style, excelling in post-flop play. She emphasizes patience, discipline, and careful hand reading, often leveraging position to apply pressure. Her commentary background reflects a deep understanding of range analysis and mathematical probability, which she applies at the table. Ho advocates for solid fundamentals and adjusting strategies based on opponent reads.

Ho is recognized as one of the top-ranked female poker players in the world and was inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. She has been an advocate for gender equality in the game, speaking out about the challenges women face. Outside of poker, Ho enjoys playing the piano to relax. She currently resides in the United States and continues to compete and contribute to poker media.

As of April 2025, Maria Ho's total live tournament earnings stand at $5,543,363, accumulated from 219 recorded cashes. Her most recent cash was $6,025 on April 6, 2025. She consistently ranks among the top female players on the Hendon Mob database and has appeared on the Global Poker Index (GPI) leaderboards. In 2022, she was listed on the Women in Poker Money List, reflecting her sustained success over nearly two decades.

Ho continues to compete actively, achieving cashes in 2025. Her latest performance demonstrates her enduring skill and adaptability in a rapidly evolving poker landscape. Beyond tournament play, she remains a prominent media figure, providing analysis for major poker broadcasts and contributing to industry discussions. Her career trajectory shows no signs of slowing, as she balances competition with commentary and advocacy for women in poker.