National Poker Series India: The Ultimate Playground for Poker Enthusiasts

The National Poker Series (NPS) India, often referred to as the “Olympics of Indian Poker,” is poised to ignite the excitement of poker players across the country as it approaches its 5th edition in March 2025. Hosted exclusively on PokerBaazi, this upcoming tournament promises to deliver a staggering ₹100 Crore prize pool, marking it as the largest poker event in Indian history. Anticipation is building among players keen on competing not only for substantial financial rewards but also for prestige in the country’s most prestigious poker series.

Vision of a Movement

Navkiran Singh, the Founder and CEO of Baazi Games, is an advocate for poker as a legitimate skill-based mind sport. As he eloquently puts it, “The National Poker Series India is a platform that transcends mere competition; it is a movement that recognizes poker as serious sport in India.” Singh expresses enthusiasm for the NPS’s growth, stating that its structure emphasizes strategy and mental endurance, allowing participants to refine their skills while promoting the sport across the nation. With the ₹100 Crore prize pool, excitement is palpable, making the NPS 2025 a highly awaited event in the Indian poker calendar.

Navkiran Singh

A Legacy of Success

Since its initiation in 2021, NPS India has experienced significant growth, attracting contestants from all walks of life. The previous edition, NPS 2024, recorded an impressive 2.25 Lakh entries and offered a ₹62.5 Crore prize pool. Each iteration of the series builds on previous successes and is structured to challenge its participants, leading to a more rewarding and competitive poker environment.

Celebrating Indian Poker Culture

The NPS transcends being a poker competition; it embodies a celebration of India’s mounting passion for the game. It serves as an inclusive platform for players of all levels, ranging from casual amateurs to seasoned professionals. Over its four editions, the NPS has achieved remarkable milestones, including:

• Attracting over 5.33 Lakh entries
• Hosting 404 tournaments
• Awarding a total of 1,221 medals to top performers

A Hall of Fame of Champions

The NPS has a rich tapestry of past champions, each with their inspiring story.

• Mohammad Azhar (2021): He made history by winning the inaugural championship, overcoming a vast field of 5,947 players to claim ₹50.13 Lakhs.
  
  Mohammad Azhar

• Chirag Sodha (2022): Dominating against 6,202 competitors, Sodha emerged victorious, walking away with ₹44.84 Lakhs and a coveted NPS Gold Medal.
  
  Chirag Sodha

• Prateek Bhartia (2023): A stiff competition saw Bhartia take home ₹30.93 Lakhs, securing his Gold Medal among 5,849 players.
  
  Prateek Bhartia

• Anshul Raj (2024): Raj triumphed over 10,121 players to secure his Gold Medal and ₹41.60 Lakhs.
  
  Anshul Raj

These champions have not only won significant cash but have also inspired countless aspiring poker players throughout India.

Rivalry and Regional Pride

One exhilarating aspect of the NPS is the fervent regional rivalries. In 2024, Maharashtra took the lead with over 100 medals, closely followed by Delhi with 83 medals. The regional competition not only adds excitement but creates a palpable sense of pride among players representing their home states.

A Look Ahead: NPS India 2025

As we anticipate NPS India 2025, we recognize that previous editions have set a high bar. Following the success of NPS 2024, where players like Deepak Singh captured multiple Gold Medals and breakout stars like Aman Parakh claimed top honors on the Series Leaderboard, expectations are soaring. Historical moments, such as Ishita Arora becoming the first female NPS Gold Medalist, have opened doors for more inclusive participation in the sport.

NPS 2025 is projected to surpass all expectations with rewards that rival some of India’s largest sports leagues, creating more high-stakes tournaments, larger rewards, and fiercer competition throughout the series.

About the National Poker Series India

The National Poker Series (NPS) India is recognized as the country’s foremost poker championship. Since its launch, NPS has awarded over ₹135 Crore in prize money and presented more than 1,200 medals, solidifying its standing as India’s largest and most distinguished poker series. As the schedule for the upcoming series is anticipated to be released soon, poker enthusiasts nationwide are excited to witness what unfolds in this legendary event.

Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, gear up for the ultimate poker showdown at NPS India 2025!