Maria Ho

Maria Ho is originally from Taipei in Taiwan. At the young age of four, Maria Ho arrived to the United States with her family, where they lived close to Los Angeles, in California. From an early age, her love of music, singing and the performing arts became quite clear. Perhaps no-one in her family would have guessed that her life would lead towards the game of poker, but an attraction to some sort of performing was evident even as a young girl.

Maria learned how to play poker in 2002, while she was at college in California and she played with her friends at home games. In 2005, Maria finished her studies and obtained a degree from the University of California San Diego with a major in Communications and a minor in Law. Following this, as far as poker goes, she played mainly at low limit poker pursuits. After gaining a bit of experience in the game and some confidence, she progressed to higher risk poker cash games and then decided to make the move to become a professional poker player.

Maria Ho: Achievements in the World of a Professional Poker Player

From just a short time involved in professional poker tournaments, Maria's brief career history boasts cashes at five various World Series of Poker (WSOP) events and two cashes from different World Poker Tour (WPT) events.

In 2007, Maria seemed to make her mark on the international poker scene. At the WSOP Main Event, she became the last woman remaining in the field of 6358 competitors. This is no simple feat for any player and here she made a name for herself in the professional poker arena. She came in 38th position in this prestigious poker event and earned the impressive amount of $237,865 in prize winnings.

In 2009, Maria just missed out on reaching the final table at the WSOP $10,000 Limit Hold'Em event. She was very close but eventually finished in 11th place and earned $41,040 for her efforts.

In the same year she also cashed in at the WSOP Ladies No Limit Championship, finishing with winnings of $2,084.

Also in the year 2009, Maria cashed in at the WPT LA Poker Classic, at which she earned winnings of $32,740 at the No Limit Hold'Em tournament.

Maria Ho: Away From the Game

When away from poker, Maria can be found giving of herself to others who are less fortunate and more in need. She is involved in charity events and organizations, notably the Ronald McDonald House, the National Kidney Foundation and the One Step Closer Foundation.

In keeping with her character and performing traits from when she was younger, Maria also makes different kinds of appearances when she is not placing her bets at the poker tables. She has been involved in poker related commentating and broadcasting work for ESPN360 and WSOP. In addition, she has appeared on the 15th season of the popular CBS show, 'The Amazing Race'.