Indian Poker Stars Shine at APPT Manila Championship 2024
While some of India’s top poker professionals contested fiercely in EPT Cyprus, another contingent of "desi" sharks found themselves making significant waves at the PokerStars LIVE APPT Manila Championship 2024 held at the luxurious Okada Manila. Within a mere three days, these Indian players have accomplished an impressive feat: four cashes, two final table appearances, and a celebrated victory.
Pranav Agrawal’s Maiden Triumph
Leading the charge is Pranav Agrawal, who clinched his first-ever live tournament title in Event #13: NLH – 20/15/10. Displaying an admirable blend of skill and strategy, Agarwal outwitted his opponents and ultimately emerged victorious, winning a handsome ₱207,200 (approximately ₹3.03 Lakhs) following a heads-up deal with Taiwan’s Po Hsun Liao, who took home ₱181,800 for his second-place finish.
This victory represents a significant milestone for Agarwal, who has been enjoying a remarkable run lately, having made final table appearances at the Poker Dream 11 Malaysia event earlier this year. His performance in Manila has added to his rising reputation in the poker community.
A Stellar Performance by Siddharth Karia
While Agarwal was busy celebrating, Siddharth Karia, a brand ambassador for PokerStars India, made his impact felt by finishing sixth in the ₱10 Million GTD Okada Kick Off event. Karia earned a substantial ₱380,000 (around ₹5.55 Lakhs), marking the largest Indian score in the series to date. The event concluded with Czardy Rivera taking the championship and walking away with a whopping ₱1,870,000.
Karia’s performance is particularly notable given his recent successes on the Asian live poker circuit, where he has showcased his talent time and again. His signature strategy and adept play have drawn admiration within the poker community.
Chirag Shah and Neel Joshi Also Dazzle
Chirag Shah added to the Indian contingent’s accolade by securing fourth place in Event #4: Knockout Turbo [₱5K Bounty], earning ₱67,000 (approximately ₹98,000). Notably, he also made a significant run in the Okada Kickoff, finishing 16th and pocketing ₱93,000 (around ₹1.36 Lakhs). His consistency and determination highlight the growing strength of Indian players on the international stage.
Adding to the excitement, fellow PokerStars India ambassador Neel Joshi, currently a contender in the 2024 Player of the Year (POY) race, surprised many by not only participating but excelling in the event. After completing Flight A of the ₱25 Million GTD APPT Open, Joshi emerged with an impressive stack of 452,000, effectively positioning himself as the overall chip leader entering Day 2. His skill at the tables is no secret, having built an impressive online resume that is now spilling over into live tournaments.
Day 2: The Thrill Continues
As the APPT Manila Championship rolls into its next phases, the Indian players are bracing for more challenges ahead. They have already demonstrated their mettle, and anticipation is high as they compete against fierce international opponents for further accolades.
The event has already crowned major champions, including Czardy Rivera and Horace Leung, who claimed titles amid tough competition, assuring spectators that the action will only intensify as the series progresses.
What Lies Ahead
With the Indian contingent making a pronounced statement early in the series, the poker community eagerly anticipates their continued success. As they advance to later stages of the championship, players like Neel Joshi and Siddharth Karia remain in contention for significant cash prizes and titles.
The PokerStars LIVE APPT Manila Championship 2024 is shaping up to be a historic moment for Indian poker, and the excitement will only grow in the coming days. Stay tuned as we bring you updates and highlights from this exhilarating championship, where strategy, skill, and a bit of luck converge on the felt.
Content & Images Courtesy: So Much Poker
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