The wait is over, and the stage is set. The inaugural National Poker Champion showdown officially kicks off today, April 13, at 11 AM at the luxurious Novotel Resort & Spa in Goa. Six of India’s sharpest poker minds – every one of them a state leaderboard champ from the monster NPS India 2025 series – are locked in a 6-Max No-Limit Hold ’em fight to draw first blood.
They started with 50,000 chips each, and the blinds are climbing every 20 minutes. For those not in Goa, the action is being streamed (with a slight delay) on JioHotstar. And right here, PokerGuru, the series’ official media partner, is your direct line to all the drama, delivering live updates, crucial chip counts, and exclusive insights as the day unfolds.
Here’s a closer look at the six contenders in today’s first match:
Goonjan Mall – West Bengal’s Felt Philosopher
A sharp strategist with a calm, composed game, Goonjan played 150 NPS events, cashed in 87, and banked ₹19.33 Lakhs. His timely late surge, with Golds in NPS#64 Deepdive and NPS#153 (4-Max) Hyper, sealed his spot in the NPC finale. A BITS Pilani grad and ex-Bain consultant turned entrepreneur, Goonjan balances poker and business with precision — and brings a cool-headed, analytical edge to the table.
Aditya Sushant – Tamil Nadu’s Timeless Trailblazer
India’s first-ever WSOP bracelet winner proved once again that class is permanent. Playing 188 events during NPS 2025, the Chennai-based veteran cashed in 122 and finished with ₹39.34 Lakhs in winnings. He caught fire late in the series, grabbing two Gold Medals and landing 18th on the overall leaderboard. With years of experience and an unshakable table presence, Sushant enters this finale with the pedigree and poise of a true champion.
Sreekanth Narayan – Kerala’s High-Stakes Hitman
Balancing a demanding role at Shell with poker, Sreekanth’s NPS performance was nothing short of inspiring. He played 131 events, cashed in 54, and earned ₹29.58 Lakhs — with two Golds, two Silvers, and a Bronze to his name. Known for his strategic depth and mental discipline, Sreekanth is not only a strong individual contender but also a key reason behind Kerala’s leaderboard prominence.
Ankit Wadhawan – Chandigarh’s Precision Performer
Disciplined and focused, wadhawan played 176 events during the series, cashing in 118 and accumulating ₹22.69 Lakhs in winnings. His standout moments included Gold Medal victories in NPS#31 Relay and NPS#65 (PLO-5). Wadhawan approaches poker like a sport — grounded in routine, constant self-improvement, and clarity of vision. Expect a sharp, controlled game from this seasoned pro.
Wilson Yomso – Arunachal Pradesh’s Vibrant Warrior
A full-time banker and part-time crusher, Yomso juggles his job at SBI with serious poker credentials. He played 153 NPS events, cashed in 59, and collected ₹19.19 Lakhs, including two Gold Medals. His unassuming presence hides a deep understanding of the game, shaped through rigorous self-study and dedication. Representing Arunachal Pradesh, Wilson brings both humility and resolve to the table.
Vikhyat Ahlawat – Uttar Pradesh’s Stoic Striker
Competing in all 191 NPS events, Ahlawat’s consistency was second to none. He cashed in 148 events, picked up four medals (2 Gold, 2 Silver), and ended the series with ₹36.41 Lakhs in total winnings, placing 10th on the series leaderboard. A former engineer and athlete, Ahlawat now lives and breathes poker. With instinct honed by experience and discipline shaped by sport, he’s one of the most well-rounded threats in the competition.
Match 1 kicked off at 11 AM, with leaderboard points on the line that could prove critical in shaping the rest of the series. Stay tuned for live hand updates, chip counts, and key action highlights — brought to you exclusively by PokerGuru.
The race for the first-ever National Poker Champion title has begun!
