In the backdrop of WSOP 2008, Michele Lewis has been doing a series of interviews with women poker players, which have been aptly titled as ‘Girl on Girl’.

Humorous and spicy, these interviews dig deep into the psyche of their subjects.

The latest to be interviewed in this series was Maria Ho, who since last year has been known as the “Last Woman Standing” because she was the last woman to go down at the WSOP 2007 Main Event.

Maria Ho is a part of Team Bodog and the conversation naturally veered to the party thrown by Bodog on the 4^th of July. It was not as raucous as the one two years ago. There were no strippers. Instead there were Bodog Girls dressed as pin-up girls. But the highlight of the party was the slow dance of Maria Ho and close friend Tiffany Michelle. According to Maria, Tiffany is the hottest female poker player for more reasons than the obvious one. She said that the song touched their hearts and was too much too resist. Tiffany took the lead and Maria just fell into her arms. Maria confessed, “…it was the best slow dance I have ever had…” 

Maria also spoke about guys. The list of qualities she looks is long. Loyalty and honesty are right at the top. A sense of humor and the ability to converse are close behind. She also looks for a guy who has the ability to disagree with her but does not use that ability. Physical attraction figures somewhere in the list as well. And when asked if there is a guy in the poker world who fits the bill Maria quickly named Daniel Negreanu with a couple of pounds added.

Maria does prepare for big tournaments. The important thing is not to feel pressurized. So she spends time with friends, drinks up a bit and does not think or talk poker. That way she is fresh when she gets down to play. However this strategy has not worked for her this year. Perhaps the pressure of living up to the reputation of “Last Woman Standing” was too much or perhaps she was plain unlucky. But she did have a good time and has cemented the relationship with her sponsors Bodog Poker.

Maria Ho was born in Taiwan and moved to the United States when she was 4 years old. She studied in the University of California San Diego, majoring in mass communications. It was while in university in 2002 that Maria started playing poker. She could then be seen in various Indian casinos in San Diego County.  After graduating in June 2005 she traveled around the world for a year. In 2006 she moved to Arcadia and plays poker at the Commerce Casino. 

If Maria were not a professional poker player her dream job would be that of a schoolteacher. She loves children and thinks that it is incredibly important to help shape and mold their young and impressionable minds in a positive manner.