Leo Margets: Spain's Poker Ambassador and Pioneer

Leo Margets stands as one of the most influential figures in European poker. Her groundbreaking 2009 WSOP Main Event performance and subsequent career as a PokerStars ambassador have made her a household name in the poker world and an inspiration to players across Spain and beyond.

Who is Leo Margets?

María Leonor "Leo" Margets Armengol was born on October 15, 1986, in Barcelona, Spain. Before becoming a professional poker player, she studied Advertising and Public Relations at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Her journey into poker began during her university years when she discovered the game through friends and quickly developed a passion for the strategic depth it offered.

Unlike many poker professionals who transition from other card games or gambling backgrounds, Leo Margets came to poker from a completely different world. Her analytical mind and competitive spirit, combined with a natural talent for reading opponents, helped her rise rapidly through the ranks of the Spanish poker scene.

Margets' personality and approachable demeanor have made her a favorite among fans. She's known for her warm smile at the table, her gracious handling of both wins and losses, and her genuine enthusiasm for promoting the game. These qualities, combined with her undeniable skill, have made her one of poker's most marketable and respected ambassadors.

Historic 2009 WSOP Main Event Run

The 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event was the tournament that put Leo Margets on the global poker map. At just 22 years old, she entered the $10,000 buy-in event as a relative unknown on the international stage. What followed was a performance that would secure her place in poker history.

Margets navigated through a field of 6,494 players—one of the largest Main Event fields in WSOP history—to finish in 27th place. This remarkable achievement earned her $352,832, the largest single cash of her career at that point. But the money was secondary to what her finish represented.

At the time, Leo Margets became the last woman standing in the tournament, outlasting every other female competitor in the field. Her deep run brought unprecedented attention to women's poker in Spain and throughout Europe. She played fearlessly against some of the game's biggest names, earning respect from professionals and fans alike.

The tournament was eventually won by Joe Cada, but Margets' journey captured hearts worldwide. Her combination of skill, poise, and genuine joy at the tables made her an instant fan favorite. Television coverage frequently featured her, introducing Spanish poker to audiences who had never seen one of their own compete at this level.

Professional Career and PokerStars Sponsorship

Following her breakthrough WSOP performance, Leo Margets' poker career accelerated rapidly. She became a regular on the European Poker Tour (EPT) and other major tournament circuits, consistently cashing and building her reputation as a formidable tournament player.

PokerStars Ambassador: Her success and charismatic personality caught the attention of PokerStars, the world's largest online poker site. She was signed as a Team PokerStars Pro, joining an elite group of players who represent the brand globally. As an ambassador, Margets has traveled the world, promoting poker at events, participating in television broadcasts, and helping grow the game in Spanish-speaking markets.

Tournament Achievements: Beyond her iconic WSOP run, Margets has accumulated numerous cashes across major tournaments:

• Multiple European Poker Tour (EPT) cashes and final table appearances
• Strong performances in PokerStars Championship events
• Regular success in Spanish Poker Championship tournaments
• Deep runs in World Poker Tour (WPT) events across Europe

Her total live tournament earnings exceed $700,000, making her one of the most successful Spanish poker players of her generation. While the 2009 WSOP remains her largest single score, her consistent results demonstrate that her success was no fluke—Leo Margets is a genuinely skilled professional.

Media Presence: Margets has leveraged her poker success into a broader media career. She has appeared on Spanish television programs, hosted poker shows, and become a respected commentator for major events. Her ability to explain complex poker concepts in accessible terms has made her particularly effective at introducing new audiences to the game.

Impact on Women in Poker and Spanish Poker Scene

Leo Margets' impact on poker extends far beyond her personal achievements. She has become a symbol for women in poker and a driving force behind the growth of the game in Spain.

Inspiring Women Players: In a game historically dominated by men, Margets has shown that women can compete at the highest levels. Her success has inspired countless female players to take up poker seriously. She has been vocal about encouraging more women to enter the game, while also advocating for them to be treated as equals at the table—not as novelties or exceptions.

Growing Spanish Poker: Before Margets' breakthrough, Spain was not considered a major poker nation. Her WSOP success helped legitimize poker in her home country, contributing to the legalization and regulation of online poker in Spain in 2012. Today, Spain has a thriving poker community with its own tournaments, training sites, and a new generation of professionals.

Ambassador Role: Through her work with PokerStars, Margets has been instrumental in organizing and promoting poker events in Spain and Latin America. She has hosted charity tournaments, participated in poker festivals, and served as the face of poker for Spanish-speaking audiences worldwide.

Beyond the Tables: Margets has also shown that poker players can be positive role models. She's known for her charitable work, her professionalism, and her efforts to combat negative stereotypes about gambling. She emphasizes responsible gaming and the skill-based nature of poker, helping to distinguish it from pure games of chance.

Leo Margets represents what's possible when talent, hard work, and personality come together in poker. Whether you remember her from that electric 2009 WSOP run or you've discovered her through her ambassador work, she remains one of the game's most important figures—a true pioneer who continues to shape poker's future.