APPT Cambodia 2024: Arun Kishore Godiyal Shines Bright, Claims Maiden Live Title in Event #7: $250 Bubble Rush (~₹2.05 Lakhs)

The South Asian poker scene is ablaze as the year draws to a close, and Team India is making a resounding statement at the PokerStars APPT Cambodia 2024! This prestigious series, featuring 42 thrilling tournaments, is taking place at the opulent NagaWorld Integrated Resort Phnom Penh from November 15 to 25.

Just four days into the action, and Team India has already amassed an impressive four cashes, including two podium finishes and a spectacular title victory! Arun Kishore Godiyal (cover image) has emerged as the Indian vanguard, showcasing exceptional skill with both a title win and a close runner-up finish.

Godiyal’s remarkable run commenced in Event #3: $200 Turbo. In a gripping battle, he narrowly missed the championship, ultimately securing a commendable second-place finish worth $1,872 (~₹1.58 Lakhs). Remarkably, this was Godiyal’s first recorded live tournament score, marking an impressive debut on the live poker scene. The event was ultimately conquered by Russia’s Aleksandr Kraev, who claimed the title and $2,829 in prize money.

Undeterred by his near miss, Godiyal returned with a fierce determination in Event #7: $250 Bubble Rush. He navigated a field of 40 entries, outlasting each opponent in a display of strategic brilliance. After a tense heads-up showdown, Godiyal struck a deal with Malaysia’s Sheng Meng Jeremy Wong, securing his maiden live title and a career-best $2,433 (~₹2.05 Lakhs) in winnings. This victory catapulted his total series earnings to an impressive $4,305 (~₹3.63 Lakhs).

While Godiyal undoubtedly stole the spotlight, he wasn’t the only Indian hero making waves at APPT Cambodia. Madhankumar Vijayan delivered a stellar performance in Event #4: $300 Superstack, narrowly missing out on his own title victory. He ultimately finished third, earning a substantial $4,172 (~₹3.52 Lakhs) – the largest single score by an Indian player at the series thus far.

Adding to India’s growing list of achievements, John Paul Patrick Savariraj secured a 22nd-place finish in the $300 Superstack, adding $463 (~₹39,000) to his poker bankroll.

Finland’s Jussi Rintalahti emerged victorious in the $300 Superstack, claiming the top prize of $9,347, while Russia’s Andrei Budykin secured the runner-up position for $5,840.

Arun Kishore Godiyal Secures First Live Title in Style at Event #7: $250 Bubble Rush, Bags $2,433 (~₹2.05 Lakhs)

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Arun Kishore Godiyal has captured his first-ever live poker title! Just a day after a near miss in Event #3: $200 Turbo, Godiyal stormed back to conquer the field in Event #7: $250 Bubble Rush.

This electrifying event saw Godiyal outlast 40 fierce competitors to claim the top prize and a massive chunk of the $8,536 prize pool. After a thrilling heads-up duel, Godiyal struck a deal with Malaysia’s Sheng Meng Jeremy Wong, securing a glorious victory and a hefty $2,433 (~₹2.05 Lakhs) payday!

Wong, despite falling short of the title, walked away with a respectable $2,432 for his impressive performance.

Complete Payouts (USD)

1. Arun Kishore Godiyal – $2,433*
2. Sheng Meng Jeremy Wong – $2,432*
3. Long Chen – $1,323
4. Jonathan Henderson – $982
5. Nikolai Guliaev – $768
6. Liesenfeld Andreas – $598

*denotes a heads-up deal

Content & Images Courtesy: So Much Poker

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