Tariro Vanderlinden, born in Zimbabwe and now based in South Africa, has embraced poker as a platform to challenge her strategic thinking, discipline, and resilience. In a short period of time, she has established herself on the live tournament circuit and become a strong advocate for the growing presence of women in poker across Southern Africa.

Her most notable performance came in the Ladies Event at the SunBet Poker Tour – Cape Town Million (Nov/2024), where she reached the podium with a remarkable 3rd place finish. She has also competed in other major SunBet stops, including Time Square and GrandWest, further strengthening her reputation as a dedicated and ambitious competitor.

In Pretoria (Aug/2024), Tariro achieved another highlight by finishing among the prizewinners at the Women’s Day Cup during the SunBet Poker Tour, and she has also secured strong results in regional clubs such as Concept Social Poker Club in Melkbos. These consistent performances demonstrate her determination to grow in the game.

Beyond the tables, Tariro is committed to using her journey as an inspiration for other women, showcasing that poker is not only a game of chance but also a discipline that demands skill, resilience, and confidence. Her mission is to encourage more women to enter the game, build community, and demonstrate the talent and strength they bring to the sport.

What is the importance of poker in your life?
“Poker has become a platform for me to challenge my strategic thinking, discipline, and resilience. It allows me to test my skills in competitive environments, learn from every experience, and grow both personally and professionally. The game also gives me the opportunity to establish myself in the live tournament circuit and connect with a broader community of players.”

In your opinion, what is the importance of the Women’s Committee?
“The Women’s Committee plays a crucial role in encouraging and supporting the presence of women in poker. It helps create opportunities for female players, fosters community, and inspires confidence by showing that poker requires skill, resilience, and strategic thinking—qualities that women can bring to the game. It also serves as a platform to motivate more women to participate and demonstrate their talent in the sport.”