Indian Poker Players Make Their Mark at the APPT Manila Championship 2024
As the poker scene continues to flourish in Asia, top Indian players are capturing attention and accolades on the international stage. While some of India’s elite poker professionals showcased their skills at the EPT Cyprus, another talented group is making impressive strides at the PokerStars LIVE APPT Manila Championship 2024 in the luxurious Okada Manila. With four cashes in just three days—including two final table appearances and a significant victory—this contingent is proving to be a formidable force.
Pranav Agrawal’s Maiden Victory
Leading the charge is Pranav Agrawal, who recently clinched his first-ever live tournament title in Event #13: NLH – 20/15/10. The event attracted considerable attention as Agrawal navigated a competitive field to secure a victory after a thrilling six-hour battle. His impressive performance culminated in a heads-up deal with Taiwan’s Po Hsun Liao, allowing Agrawal to walk away with ₱207,200 (approximately ₹3.03 Lakhs), while Liao earned ₱181,800.
Agrawal’s journey has been especially notable, as he recently enjoyed a hot streak at various tournaments, including strong showings at the Poker Dream 11 Malaysia in August. This triumph not only signifies a milestone in his poker career but also demonstrates his rising prowess in the live circuit.
Siddharth Karia Shines at the Okada Kickoff
While Agrawal celebrated his victory, India’s Siddharth Karia, a PokerStars India ambassador, was making headlines of his own. He finished sixth in the highly competitive ₱10 Million GTD Okada Kick Off, netting a hefty ₱380,000 (around ₹5.55 Lakhs). This performance marked the largest score for an Indian player in the series and showcased Karia’s consistency and skill on the felt. Eventually, the tournament was won by Czardy Rivera, who earned a whopping ₱1,870,000.
Team India Continues to Impress
Another talent in the Indian poker scene, Chirag Shah, also enjoyed success at the tournament. He secured a fourth-place finish in Event #4: Knockout Turbo [₱5K Bounty], taking home ₱67,000 (approximately ₹98,000). Shah’s deep runs, including 16th place in the Okada Kickoff for ₱93,000 (₹1.36 Lakhs), solidify his reputation as a strong contender in the field.
Adding to the Indian presence at the championship, Neel Joshi—also a PokerStars India ambassador—has been making waves in the 2024 Player of the Year (POY) race. He took a break from online play to dominate Flight A of the ₱25 Million GTD APPT Open, finishing as the chip leader with 452,000 chips. Other Indian players, including Somasekhar Sanampuri and Siddharth Karia, are also set to continue their quests for title glory.
Recap of Key Events
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Event #13: NLH – 20/15/10
- Winner: Pranav Agrawal – ₱207,200
- Runner-Up: Po Hsun Liao – ₱181,800
- Notable Finalists: Takemi Munakata, David Channon, Rex Clinkscales
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Okada Kickoff
- Winner: Czardy Rivera – ₱1,870,000
- 6th Place: Siddharth Karia – ₱380,000
- Final Table Contenders included Mike Takayama and others.
- Event #4: Knockout Turbo [₱5K Bounty]
- Winner: Horace Leung – ₱170,500
- 4th Place: Chirag Shah – ₱67,000
Looking Ahead
With an astonishing start to the APPT Manila Championship, Indian players are poised for further victories in the upcoming days. Their collective talent and determination have not only emphasized India’s growing prominence in the global poker community but have also set the stage for thrilling competition ahead as they continue their pursuit of excellence.
In a sport where strategy, patience, and skill reign supreme, the accomplishments of Agrawal, Karia, Shah, and Joshi stand as a testament to the rise of Indian poker talent on the world stage. As they prepare to push further into the event, all eyes will be on these skilled players, eager to witness their next achievements. Stay tuned for updates from the ongoing APPT Manila Championship 2024!
Content & Images Courtesy: So Much Poker
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