top of page

Royal Queens Entertainment

About Us

"It's not just a game—it's a community"

IMG_8854 (1).jpg

Our Story

Royal Queens Entertainment was born out of a vision — not just to host poker
games, but to build something that would outlast any single hand dealt at any
table. Founded in June 2024 by Natascha Carpenter, Royal Queens Entertainment
is Atlanta’s premier free-to-play community poker league, and the heartbeat
behind Royal Queens Poker.
Natascha brings over 18 years of experience in the industry to everything she
builds. Her journey through the Georgia poker scene gave her a front-row seat to
what was missing — a lack of inclusivity, limited space for beginners to learn the
game, and very few environments that celebrated Black ownership or offered a
truly upscale poker experience. Most importantly, she saw a need for a league
that genuinely prioritized community above all else.
So she decided to create it herself.
Royal Queens Poker was born from that conviction — a league that blends
competition with connection, learning with luxury, and authenticity with
accessibility. Since its launch, the growth has been extraordinary: over 400
members, 9 venues, and games running 7 days a week across Metro Atlanta. As
founder and sole owner, Natascha leads with purpose, and everything Royal
Queens touches reflects her calling to serve.

Meet the Team

JD Dallas | Operations Manager
JD Dallas is the operational force that keeps Royal Queens running at the highest level. As Operations Manager, JD oversees the day-to-day execution of league events, venue coordination, and team logistics — ensuring that every night runs smoothly from pregame to final hand. His loyalty to the RQE vision runs deep, and his commitment to delivering a consistent, premium experience for every player is evident every time the cards hit the felt.

Sonja Starks | Talent & Development Manager
Sonja Starks brings energy, precision, and heart to her role as Talent & Development Manager. She is the engine behind the people who power our events — recruiting, developing, and investing in the individuals who represent Royal Queens at every table. Sonja’s focus on growth and excellence ensures that our team doesn’t just show up — they show up ready.

Our Tournament Directors | The Backbone of Every Event
Our Tournament Directors are the backbone of every Royal Queens event. These dedicated individuals bring structure, fairness, and enthusiasm to each game night, creating an atmosphere where both new and seasoned players can thrive.
Trained and trusted, they carry the Royal Queens standard with pride — and our community feels the difference.

Our Mission, In Motion

At Royal Queens Entertainment, our mission is simple and unwavering: It’s not just a game — it’s a community. We are committed to creating free, accessible, elevated poker experiences that bring people together, celebrate diversity, uplift underrepresented voices, and pour back into the communities we serve. From charity freerolls to poker classes to birthday celebrations, everything we do is designed to make every player feel like royalty — at and away from the table.

We are just getting started. And the best hand is still ahead.

bottom of page