Diwali in Full Swing: A Week of Triumph and Excitement in Indian Poker
As the celebrations of Diwali light up homes and hearts across India, the poker scene is equally ablaze with thrilling action and remarkable achievements. The past week has been nothing short of sensational for Indian poker enthusiasts, featuring significant milestones both online and live. This week’s edition of "This Week in Poker" highlights standout performances, thrilling tournaments, and inspiring victories from Indian players.
Tarun Goyal: Breaking Records on Dhanteras
Kicking off the week with an electrifying performance was Tarun Goyal, an esteemed member of the Indian poker community and the proud holder of a WSOP bracelet. On Dhanteras, traditionally associated with wealth and prosperity, Goyal participated in the much-feared ₹10+ Lakhs buy-in GGMillion$ Main Event on Natural8 India. Fighting through a field of 928 elite players, Goyal displayed supreme skill, finishing in an impressive 10th place and earning a staggering ₹1.23 Crores.
This remarkable achievement marked Goyal’s fourth eight-figure score for the year, propelling his total annual winnings to a monumental ₹7.01 Crores. He has now become the first Indian player in history to surpass the ₹7 Crore mark in online tournament winnings within a single year—a feat that sets a new benchmark in the Indian poker landscape. As a result, Goyal has also claimed the top spot in the Player of the Year standings, currently leading his nearest competitor, Neel Joshi, by a substantial ₹1.10 Crores.
Celebrating Other Online Champions
While Goyal’s achievements stirred excitement, many other players also left their mark in the online arena. Notable performances from players like Surbhit Grover, Samay Singh Modi, Anant Purohit, and more contributed to the bustling online poker community, each making noteworthy gains through various tournaments. For instance, Grover took home ₹15 Lakhs after triumphing in The MoneyMaker ₹1 Crore GTD on PokerBaazi.
Here’s a look at the week’s top online winners:
| Player | Prize Amount | Event | Poker Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surbhit Grover | ₹15 Lakhs | The MoneyMaker ₹1 Crore GTD | PokerBaazi |
| Samay Singh Modi | ₹9.35 Lakhs | GGMasters Bounty Warm-Up 25 | Natural8 India |
| "SpewSolver" | ₹9.28 Lakhs | Sunday Fifty Stack 55 | Natural8 India |
| “newkidpoker” | ₹8.81 Lakhs | Big Whale ₹50 Lakhs GTD | Adda52 |
| Naman Agrawal | ₹8.27 Lakhs | The Endeavour ₹50 Lakhs GTD | PokerBaazi |
DPT Grand: A Grand Affair in Goa
On the live circuit, the excitement was palpable with the return of the Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT) Grand in Goa, which took place from October 22 to 28. This 17th edition brought together poker enthusiasts for a series of 15 thrilling tournaments, and a record-breaking prize pool of over ₹10 Crores. The highlight was the crowning of Ashwin Vijayvergiya as the winner of the DPT ₹60K Grand Championship, securing his first live title among a massive field of 421 entries and earning ₹34.01 Lakhs.
The final table displayed fierce competition, with players like Nikhil Gutta, who secured a runner-up finish, taking home ₹37.14 Lakhs. Notably, Sagar Raj showcased his prowess by claiming two DPT bracelets during the event. His success continued to elevate the profile of Indian poker on a larger stage.
APPT Manila Championship: A Strong Indian Presence
In the international arena, our Indian players made an indelible mark at the PokerStars LIVE APPT Manila Championship. This event, held at Okada Manila, witnessed a strong contingent of Indian players with Pranav Agrawal securing his first live title and Siddharth Karia excelling as the “Indian Star of the Series," accumulating total winnings of approximately ₱844,240 (~₹12.30 Lakhs).
Other standout performances included Somasekhar Sanampuri, who bounced back from near misses, and Inder Chandnani, who finished as runner-up in an event to further demonstrate the competitive spirit of Indian poker players abroad.
APPT Manila Championship 2024 Winners
| Rank | Player | Event | Prize Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Pranav Agrawal | Event 13: NLH – 20/15/10 | ₱207,200 |
| 2nd | Inder Chandnani | Event 46: Bubble Rush | ₱142,000 |
| 6th | Siddharth Karia | Event 2: Okada Kickoff – ₱10M GTD | ₱380,000 |
The Landscape Ahead
As the online and live poker landscapes rejoice in these victories, the excitement doesn’t end here. With upcoming events like PokerBaazi’s National Poker Series returning in March 2025, promising a massive ₹100 Crore prize pool, and Junglee Poker’s Grand Poker Party Series, the Indian poker community continues to grow, providing new opportunities for players to shine.
In a notable industry development, Caesars Entertainment recently finalized the sale of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to GGPoker’s parent company, NSUS Group Inc., for $500 million. This move ensures that the WSOP brand remains a pivotal part of the poker world, cementing Las Vegas’s position as the iconic home of the series.
Wrapping Up
This week has been eventful and inspiring, showcasing not only the competitive spirit of Indian players but also their ability to succeed in both local and international arenas. The blend of Diwali festivities and the thrill of poker creates a vibrant atmosphere reflective of the growing popularity and recognition of poker in India.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to follow the exciting developments in the world of poker. Happy Diwali, and may the festivities bring prosperity and success to all!
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