The DPT Grand: A Spectacle of Poker Excellence at Casino Deltin Royale, Goa
The gleaming chandeliers and the rhythmic sound of chips shuffling created the perfect ambiance at the luxurious Casino Deltin Royale in Goa. This opulent setting served as the backdrop for the inaugural DPT Grand, where the Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT), India’s only running live poker series, returned from October 22 to 28, continuing its legacy with an upgraded and ambitious series of events. The 17th edition of DPT featured an unprecedented 15 tournaments alongside five highly sought-after DPT bracelets, making it a week-long paradise for poker enthusiasts from all corners of the country.
Celebrating the Champions
As the festival drew to a close on October 28, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation for the crowning of the tournament victors. Notable among the champions was Jaydeep Dawer, a seasoned player and co-owner of the Gujarat Falcons team from the Poker Sports League, who finally snagged his first live title in the ₹40K NLHE, pocketing a commendable ₹4.43 Lakhs along with the prestigious DPT gold medal. Similarly, Shivam Shukla added a national trophy to his accolades, claiming victory in the ₹25K Deepstack Closer, winning ₹6.11 Lakhs after a stellar performance.
While these victories were noteworthy, all eyes were on the highlight event—the DPT Grand ₹60K Championship—where poker’s elite competed fiercely for the final bracelet of the series and a life-altering cash prize. The spotlight shone bright on Ashwin Vijayvergiya, heralded as the latest poker sensation, as he carved his name into history by outmaneuvering a densely packed field of 421 entries to secure his first live title along with the coveted DPT bracelet.
Ashwin Vijayvergiya
From Online Stardom to Live Triumph
Vijayvergiya, a 25-year-old prodigy from Udaipur, has achieved acclaim as an online poker juggernaut, amassing over ₹5.95 Crores in tracked online winnings and an impressive profit of ₹2.36 Crores. Despite his accomplishments online, the live poker arena was a new frontier for him. He approached this event with the acuity of a self-taught player, having honed his skills through extensive independent research and the use of analytical software, eschewing traditional coaching paths. His tenacity bore fruit when he achieved a remarkable ascent from modest beginnings to becoming a celebrated name in the poker community.
A Rollercoaster Journey Up the Ranks
Vijayvergiya began his Grand Championship journey with a mere stack of 269,000 chips, settling above average at 19th among 54 survivors on Day 2. Employing a strategy marked by calculated risks, he steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately securing a position at the final table with the third-largest stack. His preparations paid off as he made pivotal plays, one of which involved a resounding double up against poker coach Mithun Mahesh, cementing his chip lead.
The final table saw a drama-filled contest culminating in a heads-up battle. Despite trailing behind Nikhil Gutta, who had a significant chip advantage, Vijayvergiya’s gameplay saved the day. The two competitors struck an ICM deal, ensuring attractive payouts of ₹37.14 Lakhs for Gutta and ₹34.01 Lakhs for Vijayvergiya. However, the tangible glory of the DPT bracelet and the title was yet to be contested.
The Climax of Poker Brilliance
In an electrifying atmosphere, the final showdown was nothing short of thrilling. Vijayvergiya made a remarkable comeback, overturning the odds. A decisive hand, where he expertly played pocket fives, led to his ultimate victory. Vijayvergiya’s emotions overflowed as he expressed the significance of this title: “Winning my first title is a special moment for me. It shows that focus pays off, and I’m excited to keep growing and achieving more in poker.”
Nikhil Gutta
The DPT Grand Championship Highlights
The DPT Grand Main Event, with a ₹60,000 buy-in, attracted a staggering 421 entries across three heated starting flights, generating an impressive prize pool of over ₹2.21 Crores. The intensity of competition was palpable as players from various backgrounds fought for survival. With only 54 players making it to Day 2, familiar faces in the circuit faced heartbreak, as the competition eliminated veterans like Anish Arora, Dhaval Doshi, and Kanchan Sharma earlier than expected.
As the tournament progressed, narratives of resilience emerged with performers like Vinay B and Armaan Kochhar reaching deep areas of the final standings, showcasing the competitive spirit embodied within the poker community.
Concluding Thoughts
The DPT Grand was a defining moment, not just for Ashwin Vijayvergiya but for the Indian poker scene as a whole. This event reflected the thriving nature of live poker, marrying skill and strategy against the backdrop of luxury and excitement at Casino Deltin Royale. With hopes high among participants and fans alike, the future of Indian poker is brighter than ever, promising more exhilarating tournaments and exceptional talents emerging from the shadows.
As Vijayvergiya sets his sights on the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, where he dreams of winning a WSOP bracelet while the sound of India’s national anthem plays, one thing is for certain—the poker landscape is shifting, and we are witnessing its evolution firsthand.
Ashwin Vijay’s performance graph
Content & Images Courtesy: Poker Pro News and Adda52
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