Woman Poker Player Magazine declares the official nominees for the Maven Awards. The awards were announced in February, with the goal of recognizing the achievements of women in poker on a global scale. This is the inaugural year of the awards that were created to heighten the profile of women in the poker industry.

"Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an award, and thank you to those who made nominations," said Maryann Morrison, managing editor of Woman Poker Player Magazine. "It's interesting that the comments on the nominations for the most appealing marketing campaign to women were that the majority felt most campaigns were derogatory and condescending to women. These awards are aiming to turn that around."

Three nominees have been named in each category. The nominees were chosen based on number of nominations received. There were over 3,000 nominations made. Voting for the Maven Awards starts June 1 and closes Sept. 30, 2010. Further details on the presentations of the awards will be made public once they are available.

"I am very excited about the potential of the awards to heighten the profile of women in poker, as well as having the poker industry start thinking about how they can encourage and support women. I urge everyone to vote and support the accomplishments of the nominees."

Many of the categories were based on answers that were female only; other categories were for mixed venues or portals, or for people, with the goal of recognizing those who go out of their way to make women feel comfortable or to excel in poker.

Gary Wise, who is the only male nominee this year, had this to say about his Maven Award nomination. "It's such a privilege to be nominated. I've always felt that women have a more prominent place at the table awaiting them in the future, and I'm hopeful that this nomination is a reflection of that attitude coming through in my work."

Maven Awards 2010 Official Nominees

Best Role Model for Women in Poker Award

- Jennifer Harman

- Kathy Liebert

- Annie Duke

Woman in the Poker Industry Who Excels in Encouraging or Promoting Women in Poker Award

- Linda Johnson

- Kathy Raymond

- Lupe Soto

Most Female-friendly Online Poker Room Award

- Full Tilt Poker

- PokerStars

- Maria Poker

Most Female-friendly Poker Room Award

- The Venetian, Las Vegas

- The Borgata, Atlantic City

- The Bicycle, California

Overall Best Tournament Series Award

- World Series of Poker

- PokerStars Caribbean Adventure

- The Borgata Open

Best Ladies-only Poker Tournament or Series Award

- World Series of Poker Ladies Tournament

- High Heels Poker Tour

- PokerStars EPT Ladies Events

Most Appealing Poker Marketing Campaign to Women Award

- Australian Poker League

- Vanessa Rousso Bootcamps

- Pokerica Ladies Team

Most Encouraging Poker Forum Award

- Twoplustwo.com

- Cardrunners.com

- LuvinPoker.com

Favorite Blogger or Author Award

- Kate Dozier

- Gary Wise

- Jennifer Newell

Humanitarian Award

- Liz Lieu

- Annie Duke

- Linda Johnson

Most Notable Performance of 2009 Award

- Annette Obrestad

- Kathy Liebert

- Vanessa Rousso

Top Female Media Personality Award

- Kara Scott

- Michelle Orpe

- Linda Johnson

Notable Upcoming Female Poker Player of 2009 Award

- Annette Obrestad

- Amanda de Cesare

- Vanessa Selbst

Outstanding Professional Player of 2009 Award

- Vanessa Rousso

- Kathy Liebert

- Liz Lieu

For more information, see MavenAwards.com (http://www.mavenawards.com). Sponsorship opportunities available - step up to the plate and support the growth of women and poker.

Congratulations to all the nominees, you are all well deserving of your nomination and truly admired for all of your accomplishments!