From Casual WSOP App Player to Pro: Samantha Abernathy's Full-Circle Poker Story

It sounds almost too perfect: a professional poker player returning to the platform where she first learned the game. But that’s exactly what’s happening with Samantha Abernathy and the WSOP app.

Abernathy’s journey is the kind that poker enthusiasts love. She started as a casual player on the World Series of Poker free-to-play app, treating it like countless others do – a way to learn the ropes and have some fun. But unlike most, she took that digital experience seriously. Fast forward to today, and she’s cashed in at 31 poker tournaments, competing in high-stakes games that would make most app players’ heads spin.

Now Playtika’s WSOP app is bringing her story full circle by making her an official global ambassador with a custom in-game avatar. Players can now challenge her at the virtual tables, giving the community a chance to test their skills against someone who’s actually made it to the professional level.

What This Partnership Means

This isn’t just another celebrity endorsement. Abernathy was previously part of WSOP’s “Thrill Team,” a roster of poker’s biggest names and rising stars. Her new avatar inclusion is a next-level commitment – it’s saying that the app isn’t just for casual entertainment anymore. It’s a legitimate training ground where real skills can develop and real careers can begin.

“The WSOP app is where it all began for me,” Abernathy shared. “I was playing on the app before I ever went pro, so teaming up with the WSOP team feels like a full-circle moment.” For her, seeing herself as an in-game avatar represents validation that the platform can genuinely launch poker careers.

Why Platforms Like WSOP Are Becoming Career Launchpads

The WSOP app’s strategy of partnering with professional players like Abernathy – and previously Jason Alexander – reflects a broader shift in how gaming apps build credibility. When players see that real professionals got their start in the same space, it changes the perception of the platform from pure entertainment to potential opportunity.

Guy Ceder, General Manager of WSOP free-to-play app, put it plainly: “We are delighted to have Samantha Abernathy onboard as an exclusive ambassador for WSOP. She is a reflection of what WSOP is – a poker game for all levels, appealing to both amateurs and professionals.”

It’s a smart move. Millions of poker players use the WSOP app across mobile and desktop. For casual players, seeing someone like Abernathy succeed creates inspiration. For serious players, it’s validation that they’re on the right platform.

The bottom line: Abernathy’s story proves that free-to-play poker apps can be more than just games. They can be incubators for the next generation of professional players.