From Rickshaw Driver’s Son to Poker Champion: Raminder Singh Rewrites History by Winning Lucky Hearts Poker Open Championship For a Career-High $486,353

Amidst a sea of seasoned pros, an Indian-born player, a familiar and feared presence on South Florida`s poker circuit, etched his name into poker history on Tuesday. Raminder Singh, affectionately known as “The Raminator,” conquered the $3,500 Lucky Hearts Poker Open Championship at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, claiming not only the giant guitar pick trophy but a staggering $486,353 – his career-highest prize.

The victory at the LHPO wasn’t just about the money. It was a testament to Singh’s skill and unwavering determination. He navigated a massive field of 1,188 players, including poker veterans like Jonathan Jaffe and Benny Glaser, on the final table. The climax of the tournament saw a three-way deal. As the chip leader at that point, Singh was declared the champion. Dan Martin pocketed a substantial $460,000 in second place, while Jesse Lonis claimed the third spot and $404,247.

After his remarkable victory, Singh shared his joy and the circumstances leading up to his participation: “It feels really great, I don’t really ever play any big tournaments that go into the week. I need to have a pretty fine schedule to skip all my work and play, so normally, I don’t play these. But this time my friends convinced me to play in this. This was the time to play. I’ve been in good form, I’ve been playing well, I couldn’t miss this tournament,” he said.

The LHPO win adds another feather to Singh’s impressive cap. With over 90 tournament wins and $2,965,920 in tournament earnings, he has now re-claimed the all-time SHRP major series trophy record. This championship victory, however, stands out as a pinnacle – a testament to his grit, skill, and love for the game.

Singh’s life journey is nothing short of inspiring. The 48-year-old, born in New Delhi, India, to an auto-rickshaw driver, has an incredible life story. From humble beginnings to becoming a successful management consultant in the U.S., Singh credits his success to his parents’ values and emphasis on education.

Today, he’s a recognized figure on the US live poker circuit. A proud member of a Sikh family, Singh relocated to the US in the mid-’90s, pursuing a career and later an MBA. His father, an auto-rickshaw driver and homemaker mother, raised four children, ensuring they received the best possible education despite financial challenges.

The story of his poker journey is as unexpected as it is inspiring. In 2005, the corporate climb and gym sessions were his world. Then, a casual invitation from a colleague changed everything. Drawn into a barroom game, Singh, a poker novice, learned the game’s basics on a napkin. That night ignited a passion that propelled him onto the professional stage.

As he earlier shared with PokerGuru: “By 2005, I didn’t even know how to spell poker to tell you the truth. I was into corporate jobs. And it’s a grind to grow in your career and climb the corporate ladder. I happen to have a great boss during that time at one of my corporate jobs. His name is Jack Sumner. He is a pretty good poker player himself. One evening, I was coming back from the gym, and I got a call from him. He was like, ‘I am at a bar here, playing poker with some colleagues. Why don’t you join in?’ And I was like, ‘But I don’t know how to even play poker.’ And he was like, ‘No, come over. I’ll walk you through the rules.’ So I went over there. He walks me through the basic rules on the back of a paper napkin. What is a pair, Ace high, full house? I ended up playing that tournament, and that’s how I got hooked on poker.”

But poker isn’t his sole focus. Singh runs his own medium-sized IT consulting firm, balancing his passion for the game with work and family. “Family and friends are the number one priority,” he emphasizes. “Hence, poker is like 5th or 6th.” This dedication to his roots and loved ones is reflected in the “Team Singh” t-shirt that he can be seen wearing often when playing poker, reflecting his pride in his heritage and the strength of his extended family network.

“Team Singh, the lion on my shirt was basically invented by my nephews. Harry, Jason, Sandy, and like 20 of their friends and others that are in the network call me uncle, so I’m the universal uncle. They are all my nephews. Even locally here, a lot of the players I play against – It’s in the family. Singh means lion actually in our language,” shared Singh.

Singh’s initial triumph at the Lucky Hearts Poker Open dates back to 2020, winning the $600 No Limit Hold ’em – Six-Max for $22,520. He also boasts a WSOP Circuit ring from the 2017 WSOP Circuit Palm Beach Kennel Club Main Event that he won for $168,995.

The $3,500 buy-in LHPO Championship amassed a staggering $3,801,600 prize pool, rewarding the top 149 players, each securing at least $5,900.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Raminder Singh – $486,353*
2. Dan Martin – $460,000*
3. Jesse Lonis – $404,247*
4. Justin Datloff – $229,900
5. Jonathan Jaffe – $173,500
6. Mitch Garshofsky – $132,300
7. Benny Glaser – $102,000
8. Toby Joyce – $79,400

*denotes a three-way deal

Content & Images Courtesy: Seminole Hardrock Poker Open