This Week in Poker: Diwali Edition
As the vibrant festival of Diwali illuminates the skies, the world of poker has also been sparkling with excitement and record-breaking performances. From the thrill of live tournaments in Goa to impressive online scores, Indian players have been making headlines globally. Let’s dive into the highlights of this past week in the poker world.
Dhanteras Dazzle: Tarun Goyal Shatters Records
On the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity, Indian poker sensation Tarun Goyal showcased a stellar performance that left the poker community in awe. Goyal, a notable WSOP bracelet winner, tackled the challenging ₹10+ Lakhs GGMillion$ Main Event on Natural8 India, competing against a formidable field of 928 skilled players. In an exhilarating run, he landed in 10th place, bagging an impressive ₹1.23 Crores.
This remarkable achievement was Goyal’s fourth eight-figure score this year, a unique milestone that cements his status as a leading figure in Indian poker. With total earnings this year hitting ₹7.01 Crores, he has become the first player in history to cross the ₹7 Crore mark in online winnings within a single calendar year.
Additionally, Goyal has now soared to the #1 spot in the Player of the Year race, boasting a solid lead of ₹1.10 Crores over runner-up Neel Joshi. It appears that Goddess Lakshmi was truly at Goyal’s side this Dhanteras.
Exceptional Performances by Indian Players
While Goyal’s phenomenal win captured much attention, the week was also generous to other Indian players making a mark online. Players like Surbhit Grover, Samay Singh Modi, Anant Purohit, and Anshul Rajput made significant jumps in various tournaments, adding to the growing stature of Indian poker on the international stage.
In fact, Surbhit Grover secured ₹15 Lakhs in The MoneyMaker ₹1 Crore GTD on PokerBaazi—the highest recorded payout for the week.
Top Online Winners Snapshot
| Player | Prize Amount | Event | Poker Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surbhit Grover | ₹15 Lakhs | The MoneyMaker ₹1 Crore GTD | PokerBaazi |
| Samay Singh Modi | ₹9.35 Lakhs | GG Masters 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 |
The DPT Grand: A Resounding Success
Simultaneously, the Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT) returned to spectacular effect in Goa, rebranded as the DPT Grand. The event brought together about 2,200 entries over 15 tournaments, culminating in a staggering prize pool exceeding ₹10 Crores. This edition witnessed the crowning of multiple champions who walked away with the coveted DPT bracelets.
The grand finale saw Ashwin Vijayvergiya clinching his first live title in the ₹60K Grand Championship, defeating 421 rivals and winning ₹34.01 Lakhs. His opponent, Nikhil Gutta, also celebrated a sizeable payday of ₹37.14 Lakhs.
Notable Performances at DPT Grand
Performances by other emerging stars include Sagar Raj, who won the ₹11K DPT Grand Rush for ₹18.31 Lakhs and quickly followed with a second DPT bracelet victory in the ₹125K High Rollers after finishing with ₹30.13 Lakhs. His achievements highlight a burgeoning talent in emerging Indian poker.
APPT Manila Championship: Team India Shines
As the DPT Grand unfolded, Indian poker players ventured to the APPT Manila Championship, where Team India made waves with 18 cashes and multiple final table appearances.
Pranav Agrawal kicked off the series by winning Event #13, earning ₱207,200, while Siddharth Karia’s stellar run included cashes across several events, totaling ₱844,240 (~₹12.30 Lakhs). The Indian contingent showcased impressive skill and determination, emphasizing the rising status of Indian players in the international poker arena.
More APPT Highlights
- Somasekhar Sanampuri made a notable comeback with a sixth-place finish in Event #39, earning ₱245,360.
- Inder Chandnani secured a runner-up position in the Bubble Rush event, bringing home ₱142,000.
- Not to be overlooked, Anju Abrol and Rishi Mehra also recorded impressive scores across various events.
Upcoming Action
Looking ahead, the Asian Poker Tour (APT) has commenced in Manila, with an abundance of tournaments attracting many players from the Indian poker scene. Karia is already finding success, carrying his momentum into the APT events.
Simultaneously, online platforms are gearing up with exciting promotions, including PokerBaazi’s 10th Anniversary bash and Junglee Poker’s Grand Poker Party Series, promising thrilling action and lucrative rewards for players during this festive season.
Industry Highlights
Beyond the immediate excitement at the tables, there have been significant developments in the poker world. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has officially changed hands, with Caesars Entertainment selling it to NSUS Group Inc. for $500 million. The legacy and stature of the WSOP remain intact, ensuring it remains a staple in the poker landscape for at least the next two decades.
Moreover, the poker community has seen extraordinary performances from top pros, including Seth Davies, who triumphed in the PokerGO Tour Super High Roller Bowl with a remarkable show, taking home $1.5 Million.
Conclusion
As we close this week’s chapter in the poker narrative, the momentum generated by Indian players during Diwali serves as both a celebration and a harbinger of more exciting events to come. With players like Goyal and Vijayvergiya at the forefront, the Indian poker scene is poised for growth and recognition on global platforms. Stay tuned for next week’s updates, where we’ll continue to track this thrilling journey. Happy Diwali and may the cards be ever in your favor!
