In April 2020, while most people were stuck at home in lockdown, one woman made headlines by taking down an online poker tournament filled with Hollywood A-listers and sports legends. Ebony Kenney, a rising star in the poker world, outplayed the likes of Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Tom Brady, and Adam Sandler in a charity event raising over $1.2 million for Feeding America. The tournament featured 65 contestants, all of whom donated $10,000 to play. While most eyes were on the celebrity lineup, it was Kenney who emerged victorious, leaving behind finalists Kevin Pollak and Andy Milonakis.
But this wasn’t a one-time feat for Kenney. The Florida-born poker pro has since become a steady figure of success in the game, racking up more than $2.4 million in live tournament earnings. From her commanding performance at the 2022 Coin Rivet Invitational to her growing fanbase on Twitch, Kenney has made a name for herself not just on the felt, but as a model, life coach, and streamer. Her story is one of grit, hustle, and transformation.
From Single Mom to the Poker Table
Ebony Kenney’s path to poker greatness wasn’t carved out in luxury. A native of Florida, she became a single mom in her early twenties and had to find a way to support her family. According to a Herald-Tribune interview, Kenney discovered poker back in 2007. What started as a hobby soon became a serious pursuit, not only for the income, but as a challenge that aligned with her competitive and analytical mindset.
Kenney’s rise came from grinding in local games and online tournaments. Her natural charisma, paired with an intuitive grasp of strategy, quickly earned her respect at the tables. She often credits her children as her biggest motivators, pushing her to pursue a career that allows for both flexibility and financial independence. Over time, she began combining poker with her interests in self-improvement and mentorship, eventually working as a life coach while continuing her climb in the poker world. This hybrid approach helped her build a unique brand: one that was equal parts intellectual, emotional, and entertaining.
Breaking Records and Stereotypes in Poker
Ebony Kenney’s breakthrough moment came in 2017, when she won $34,637 in a Rio Deepstack event in Las Vegas. But her career-defining leap arrived five years later at the 2022 Triton Super High Roller Series in Northern Cyprus. Entered in the prestigious $200,000 buy-in Coin Rivet Invitational, she competed against some of the biggest names in the game and finished 5th, walking away with a jaw-dropping $1.7 million. It was the fifth-largest single cash ever won by a woman in poker, launching her to 16th on the Women’s All-Time Money List. And she didn’t stop there. At the same Triton series, Kenney also earned an additional $240,500 by finishing 5th in a $25,000 event, pushing her total live earnings past $2.4 million. That same year, she officially joined the Americas Cardroom Pro Team, aligning herself with one of the most influential platforms in online poker. Known for its commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Americas Cardroom was the perfect match for Kenney’s outspoken personality and bold ambitions.
Off the table, Ebony Kenney is equally prolific. She streams regularly on Twitch under the handle CinnamonPardy, where she mixes high-level strategy with real-time banter and motivation. Her Twitch streams have become a hub for both entertainment and education, especially among young women curious about entering the male-dominated poker world. Kenney also works as a speaker and coach, encouraging women to embrace confidence and resilience, qualities she believes are essential both in poker and in life. Her modeling background adds another layer to her multifaceted image. She’s been featured in lifestyle publications and promotional campaigns, using fashion and social media to reach audiences who might otherwise overlook the poker scene. Through it all, she’s remained unapologetically authentic: a blend of brains, beauty, and bravery that continues to inspire a new generation of players.
A Recent WSOP Run and What’s Next
In 2025, Ebony Kenney returned to the world’s biggest poker stage: the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Entering the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event, she battled through a record-breaking field of 9,735 players. After several grueling days, Kenney placed 514th, earning a payout of $32,500. Though she didn’t walk away with a coveted WSOP bracelet like French singer-turned-poker pro Patrick Bruel did in 1998, her deep run reaffirmed her position among poker’s elite.
What makes her WSOP performance even more impressive is her consistent ability to balance competitive poker with a career in content creation, coaching, and personal development. Whether she’s sitting at a high-stakes cash table, hosting a live stream, or mentoring up-and-coming women in poker, Kenney continues to break barriers in a field that is slowly evolving but still largely male-dominated. Kenney doesn’t just want a seat at the table; she wants to change what the table looks like. And with her blend of skill, presence, and purpose, she’s doing exactly that.