In a triumphant return to poker that fused skill, serendipity, and a heartfelt mission, Liv Boeree turned a historic performance at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise into a beacon of hope for factory-farmed animals. The former poker pro and science communicator pledged a staggering $560,000—20% of her $2.8 million winnings—to improving conditions for factory-farmed pigs, making waves not only in the poker world but also in the realm of animal advocacy.
A Historic Moment for Women in Poker
Boeree’s December performance in the inaugural $25,000 Super Main Event was nothing short of extraordinary. Her fourth-place finish netted her $2.8 million, marking the largest-ever tournament cash by a woman. The poker world watched in awe as the British phenom, who had largely stepped away from the game, outlasted nearly 2,000 players in a tournament boasting a $50 million prize pool.
But for Boeree, this monumental achievement wasn’t just about personal glory or breaking records—it was an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the world.
From Pigs to Purpose: A Shower Epiphany
The spark for Boeree’s philanthropic pledge came in an unexpected moment. On the morning of the tournament’s opening day, she was haunted by a story she’d seen online about a North Carolina farm fire that claimed the lives of 1,000 pigs. The image of animals trapped in inhumane conditions stuck with her, inspiring her to make a bold promise.
“In the shower, trying to psych myself up to play, I made an out-loud pledge to the universe to donate 20% of whatever I win to improve the conditions of factory-farmed animals,” Boeree shared in her Substack blog. “And then I score the biggest win of my life.”
True to her word, Boeree committed $560,000 to this cause. Her pledge reflects a deeper belief in what she calls the “Win-Win” philosophy: the idea that even in a zero-sum game like poker, actions can generate positive externalities when aligned with purpose.
Poker and Philanthropy: A Winning Hand
This isn’t Boeree’s first foray into combining poker with altruism. She and her partner, Igor Kurganov, famously donated half of their $273,964 winnings from the 2017 WSOP $10,000 Tag Team Championship to Raising for Effective Giving (REG), a charity they co-founded. REG focuses on “effective altruism,” a movement that emphasizes data-driven giving to maximize impact in areas like poverty alleviation, animal welfare, and the prevention of future suffering.
Boeree’s contributions to these causes are part of a broader legacy. In 2021, Kurganov was entrusted with $5.7 billion by Elon Musk to direct toward philanthropic initiatives—a testament to the trust and impact their efforts have inspired.
A New Love for an Old Game
Boeree’s relationship with poker has been anything but linear. After retiring in 2019, she described her disillusionment with the game: “Modern poker had devolved from a source of joy into a tiresome, repetitive chore,” she admitted, citing the grind of study-driven, Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies that left little room for creativity.
Yet, her recent return to the felt rekindled a spark she hadn’t felt in years. “I felt finally free to play my preferred game: intuitive, playful, and unpredictable,” she wrote. “Old ‘pro’ Liv would never have had the guts to make the wild calls and folds I did, knowing tens of thousands of viewers were watching.”
Her rejuvenated approach paid off, both financially and emotionally, leading her to rediscover the beauty of poker while championing a cause she deeply believes in.
The Road Ahead: Pigs, Poker, and Purpose
As Boeree looks ahead, she’s not planning a full-time return to poker but is open to “gathering more data points” by playing a few tournaments in 2024. Her true focus, however, lies in maximizing the impact of her $560,000 donation.
“Imagine living your entire life like this,” she wrote, alongside a harrowing image of pigs confined in cramped, inhumane conditions. “If someone forced their dog or cat to live like this, they’d be thrown in jail.”
Boeree’s actions have set a powerful example for how poker—and any endeavor, for that matter—can be a force for good. Whether it’s through inspired gameplay or targeted philanthropy, she’s proving that even in a world of high stakes and competition, it’s possible to create meaningful wins for all involved.