Simply put, Lupe is as colorful and diverse in personality as she is in her work. She has been at the forefront of the poker industry for many years, but always remains true to her roots in the non-profit sector.
Lupe Soto has a background as a professional therapist and social services administrator. However, she is best known for her involvement in the promotion of women in poker and poker entertainment.
She is the founder of many “firsts” in the poker industry. While coordinating one of the largest online social clubs for poker players in the late 90’s (Victory Poker) that led her to the internet and poker. Having hosted tournaments for women only with Victory Poker, it was evident women enjoyed playing the game together. Poker Chix, the first online poker forum for women was launched in 2000 with an overwhelming positive response from women poker players. Fortunately, Lupe lived in San Diego who hosted the CA State Women’s Poker Championship, so she tasted a bit of how amazing live events are with women who are passionate about the game. This enticed Lupe to introduce the first women’s poker tour, Ladies International Poker Series – LIPS Tour which celebrates its 20th year in 2024. LIPS also hosts the longest running online weekly tournament for women called “Girls Night In”, now in its 15th year with an average of 100 women gathering to compete every Monday night.
Over time, she was introduced to many accomplished women who helped shape the poker industry. She realized there were women deserving of recognition for paving the way years before she entered the industry. In 2008 she founded the prestigious Women in Poker Hall of Fame to showcase women who excel in the poker industry as players or industry professionals. The “WiPHoF” is embraced by the poker world and stands as one of the greatest honors in the industry.
Lupe is not only a poker industry professional, but she is an avid poker player as well. In 1996, she cut her teeth on the felt by watching her boyfriend play stud poker on date night. It wasn’t long before she was kicking him under the table and telling him how to play his cards. Some say it’s his fault she entered into the poker world when he told her to “go get your own table” and she did…. She hasn’t looked back since.
Lupe Soto continues to grow the poker world with innovative poker programs. She started the first poker tour for seniors (players over 50 years of age) aptly named “Senior Poker Tour”. And as a tribute to all women poker players, she founded a global association – Women’s Poker Association, a 501c3 Non-Profit created to elevate and empower all women in poker.
Her newest projects include a new tournament brand for women called Women in Poker with its launch in 2022 in Las Vegas. And in honor of the great Ambassador of Poker, Mike Sexton, the launch of a tour in his name… The Mike Sexton All American Poker Circuit launching in 2024.
In keeping with her love to give back, she is the President of Vegas Connected which encompasses Poker Gives, the fundraising arm for the charity. This is an all-volunteer 501c3 Non-Profit Charity which supports programs to serve the homeless, underserved children and military families.
If you were to ask Lupe to describe herself, she would say “I am just a girl with a passion for people and poker and I’m blessed to work in what I love.”
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