Poker, a widely popular card game. Throughout the world and in India, it is not just about luck, it’s a strategic battle of wits and skill. Played with a standard deck of 52 cards, it involves betting, bluffing, and reading opponents. The game’s popularity lies in its mix of chance and skill, where players aim to make the best hand or force opponents to fold by convincing them they have a stronger hand.
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Saturday 23 Nov. 2024
In India, Poker game has seen a surge in popularity, with numerous skilled players making their mark in both domestic and international tournaments. These players showcase not only their mastery of the game’s rules but also their ability to outsmart opponents through calculated moves and psychological tactics. Their achievements not only earn them fame but also highlight the growing recognition of Poker as a legitimate sport requiring intelligence, strategy, and nerves of steel. In this article we will explore the top 10 Indian Poker players who have excelled in this thrilling mind game.
Poker in India: A growing fascination
In recent years, poker has become increasingly popular in India, captivating the interest of both young and old alike. Poker has found its way into the hearts of many Indians and has led to the emergence of talented players who have made a mark on both the national and international stage. These players have honed their skills through dedication and practice, earning recognition for their skills at the poker table.
As the popularity of poker continues to soar in India, fueled by online platforms such as Getmega Poker, their convenience, availability to play Poker 24/7 and their live tournaments, these players serve as inspiration for aspiring Poker Players looking to test their hand in the thrilling world of poker.
List of Best 10 Indian Poker Players
Let us dive into details about the Best 10 Indian Poker Players, their background (how they started playing poker and their significant poker achievements.
| Player Name | Background | Achievements |
| Raghav Bansal | Engineering student turned poker player; won India Poker Championship (IPC); cashed in WSOP and APT. | Won IPC; cashed in WSOP and APT. |
| Vivek Rajkumar | Poker enthusiast from India; won WPT titles; cashed in WSOP. | Won WPT; cashed in WSOP. |
| Nipun Java | Poker player with computer science background; won multiple WSOP bracelets; cashed in prestigious events. | Won multiple WSOP bracelets; cashed in prestigious events. |
| Aditya Agarwal | Discovered poker in 2003; notable success in WSOP; $18,714 payout in 2017 Main Event. | Success in WSOP; $18,714 payout in 2017 Main Event. |
| Paawan Bansal | Engineering student turned poker pro; won Asian Championship of Poker Main Event. | Won Asian Championship of Poker Main Event; cashed internationally. |
| Ankit Ahuja | Rising star in poker; started casually with friends. | Recognized as a rising star; competes in local tournaments. |
| Kunal Patni | Finance professional turned full-time poker player; cashed in WSOP and APT. | Transitioned to full-time poker; cashed in WSOP and APT |
| Abhinav Iyer | Engineering student turned top poker player; won titles in WPT and APT circuits. | Won titles in WPT and APT; recognized as a top player. |
| Aditya Sushant | College player turned WSOP bracelet winner. | First Indian to win a WSOP bracelet; brought recognition to Indian poker. |
| Nikita Luther | College-educated poker pro; won WPT title. | Won WPT title; known for strategic gameplay. |
Raghav Bansal
Raghav Bansal began playing poker while studying engineering in college. Bansal quickly developed a passion for the game and started competing in local tournaments.
His breakthrough came in 2015 when he won the India Poker Championship (IPC) Main Event, earning him recognition in the Indian poker community. Bansal went on to achieve international success by cashing in prestigious tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and the Asian Poker Tour (APT).
Vivek Rajkumar
Vivek Rajkumar is a professional poker player known for his impressive achievements in the game. Hailing from India, Rajkumar began playing poker during his college years in the United States. He quickly rose through the ranks, gaining recognition for his strategic skills and ability to read opponents. Rajkumar has won multiple major tournaments, including World Poker Tour (WPT) titles and significant cash prizes in prestigious events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
Nipun Java
Nipun Java is a professional poker player known for his impressive skills and achievements in the game. Originally from India, Java began playing poker while studying computer science in the United States. He gained attention in the poker world for his strategic gameplay and quick thinking at the tables. Java’s notable achievements include winning multiple World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and cashing in numerous prestigious tournaments.
Aditya Agarwal
Aditya Agarwal discovered his passion for poker in 2003 while watching the WSOP tournament on ESPN. Since then, he’s become a standout player in both online and live tournaments, especially the prestigious WSOP. With his biggest payout of $18,714 in the 2017 Main Event, Agarwal has cemented his place among India’s top players. His success includes over ₹9.46 Crore in prize money and 37 major titles, making him a formidable force in the poker world.
Paawan Bansal
Paawan Bansal is a professional poker player known for his skill and achievements in the game. He began playing poker as a hobby while studying engineering in India. Over time, Bansal honed his skills and started competing in tournaments. In 2016, he made a significant breakthrough by winning the Asian Championship of Poker Main Event, earning him widespread recognition in the poker community. Bansal’s success continued as he cashed in various international tournaments, securing him a spot amongst the best Indian Poker players.
Ankit Ahuja
Ankit Ahuja is a professional poker player known for his strategic skills and success in the game. He began playing poker casually with friends before discovering his passion for it. Over time, Ahuja honed his skills and started competing in local tournaments. His dedication paid off as he began winning titles and cashing in significant amounts in major poker events. Ahuja’s achievements have earned him recognition as one of the rising stars in the poker world.
Kunal Patni
Kunal Patni is a professional poker player known for his skill and success in the game. He began playing poker as a hobby while working in the finance industry. Over time, his passion for the game grew, leading him to transition into playing poker full-time. Patni has achieved significant success in various poker tournaments, including cashing in prestigious events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and the Asian Poker Tour (APT), showcasing his talent and dedication to the game.
Abhinav Iyer
Abhinav Iyer is a professional poker player known for his success in the Indian poker circuit. He began playing poker while studying engineering, quickly discovering a passion for the game. Iyer has achieved significant success, winning multiple titles in prestigious tournaments like the World Poker Tour (WPT) and the Asian Poker Tour (APT). His skill and dedication have earned him recognition as one of the top poker players in India and beyond.
Aditya Sushant
Aditya Sushant is a professional poker player of Indian origin known for his skill and success in the game. He began playing poker during his college years, starting with small stakes games with friends. Over time, he honed his skills and started competing in larger tournaments. Sushant made history by becoming the first Indian player to win a WSOP bracelet in 2017. His achievement brought recognition to Indian poker players on the global stage, inspiring many others to pursue the game professionally.
Nikita Luther
Nikita Luther is a poker pro who found her passion for the game of Poker during college. She honed her skills and rose to fame with her strategic skills. In 2018, Luther clinched the prestigious World Poker Tour (WPT) title, solidifying her status as one of the game’s elite. With her sharp mind and ability to read opponents, she continues to leave her mark on the poker world.
Conclusion
These top 10 Indian poker players showcase exceptional skill, determination, and strategic awareness in the world of poker. Their achievements not only highlight their individual talent but also contribute to the growing recognition of India in the global poker community.
As the popularity of poker continues to rise in India, these players serve as role models and sources of inspiration for the next generation of poker players. Their success stories demonstrate that with dedication, practice, and a keen understanding of the game, anyone can excel in the competitive world of poker.
