Lydia Cugudda
Lydia Cugudda is a passionate poker player and advocate for women in the game, based in Winchester, England. Her poker journey began in 2008 during downtime with a boxing team, when a £1 buy-in game and a winning hand of quad jacks sparked her lifelong love of the game. As an ambassador for the Hippodrome Casino, she’s become a prominent figure in the UK poker scene, with 22+ live tournaments and a top cash of £20,183. In 2024, she joined Kerryjane Craigie as co-host of The Real Poker Girls of London podcast, highlighting the game from a female perspective. Off the felt, Lydia holds a Master’s in Defence Studies, with a dissertation exploring poker’s strategic value in military decision-making. Her mix of insight, grit, and advocacy continues to inspire players across the community.