Underdog to champion: How a gifted Silver Pass led Daley to High Roller title
Find out how the generosity of Vanessa Kade brought Bernadette Daley to the Women’s Summer Festival, the High Roller event, and the victory.
“And his name was…Moneymaker.”
Sometimes, poker delivers us a story so perfect it feels scripted.
That was the case at this year’s Women’s Summer Festival, where one player’s story began not with a buy-in, but with a moment of generosity from a competitor.
It kicked off last November, when Bernadette Daley–a lawyer from Knebworth–was playing in the 50/50 event at the Women’s Winter Festival alongside her husband, Christopher Taylor. There was a Silver Pass worth $2,500 up for grabs for whichever team made it the furthest with both members still in contention, and Daley and Taylor both ran deep.
Alas, they were just beaten by poker pro (and Sunday Million Anniversary winner) Vanessa Kade and her team partner, Elliot Hackney. Kade received the coveted Silver Pass, but she decided to pass it on.
“I was joking at the table and said, ‘You guys get these all the time. You’re a sponsored player. It’s no story if you win it. It’s a story if the underdog wins,” says Daley. “Afterwards, Vanessa came over and said, ‘You know what? You’re right. I do get these all the time, and it is a better story if you get it.’ And she gifted me her Silver Pass. That was incredible. Such a generous thing to do.”
Kade kindly gave the Silver Pass away
The Silver Pass allowed Daley to pick a live event where her tournament entries would be covered. For someone who normally plays low-stakes tournaments, this opened up many doors.
Having had so much fun at the Winter edition, it was a no-brainer that Daley would use her Silver Pass to play the Women’s Summer Festival at London’s Hippodrome Casino. The package included entry to the £1,100 High Roller—an event she would never have been able to play previously.
“The only reason I [played] was because of the pass Vanessa gave me, and I turned it into a win. It’s insane.”
Yep, Daley turned the gift into £11,300, topping a 31-strong field. And when you consider who else made it to three-handed play, this was truly an underdog success story.
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
The Women’s Summer Festival provided participants a chance to share the felt with some of the game’s strongest players, including two-time WSOP champion Shiina Okamoto, winner of the Women’s bracelet event two years running.
Okamoto has won back-to-back WSOP bracelets
“To be able to sit at a table with Shiina for ten hours, and then watch the livestream back, I learned so much,” says Daley. “She’s an absolute crusher.”
Okamoto was still in contention three-handed, and Daley admits she held a big skill edge over her. “I think everyone assumed it was hers to win,” she says. “That’s why the underdog angle feels even more special.”
Okamoto ultimately busted in third place for £4,840, before Daley defeated Nan Min heads-up. Min received £7,290 for her runner-up finish.
COURTROOM TO CARDROOM
By day, Daley works as a lawyer. But by night, she has been steadily learning the craft of tournament poker.
She only started playing proper tournaments two years ago and got off to an incredible start, reaching a WSOP Super Circuit final table in her very first attempt. That experience lit a spark.
Daley’s first cash was a WSOP International Circuit Ladies event final table in London in 2023
“Being a lawyer helps with focus, discipline, and patience,” she says. “I watch everything at the table, even if I don’t always know what it means. But honestly, luck played the biggest part. Sheena had the skill edge, no question. I had to get lucky, and I did. My husband says I shouldn’t say that because I also made some really good calls.”
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
Daley is quick to credit not just Kade, but also PokerStars Ambassador Kerryjane Craigie, the organiser of the Women’s festivals.
“KJ has done such an amazing job. The festivals feel like a party. Friendly, supportive, and full of incredible players,” she says. “To be able to sit down with some of the best in the world is just insane.”
Looking back, it’s not just the trophy or prize money that shines through for Daley from the Women’s Summer Festival, but the connections and community that brought her there.
“I just want to say thank you to Vanessa,” she says. “I would not have done this if it weren’t for her generosity. And to KJ for putting on such an incredible series. These festivals have been such a great opportunity, and I feel incredibly grateful.”
An incredible result for Daley
FURTHER READING
Jen Shahade wins Women’s Summer Festival Main Event for £22,200
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