Joanne Liu

“When I was a little kid, I played with my brothers. They always beat me up and took my money,” she said. “I was crying. I said I’m going to beat them.”

Liu's first appearance was in the year 1996, in the final table at World Series of Poker Limit Hold’em Event. Since then, she never turned back and has earned several thousands of dollars by wining poker.

With more than 20 cash finishes in major tournaments, Liu has proven herself in the poker world. Born in Taiwan and now living in Palo Alto, California, the one-time computer engineer is often the only woman at the poker table. With that in mind, she’s gained a lot of experience at besting her male opponents.

“I enjoy beating all the boys. I want to spank their butt,” Liu said. “Poker is not lifting weights, everybody can play. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or woman.”

With a number of goals already met, Liu now has her sights set on winning the World Poker Tour Championship.