The Race Isn’t Over: National Poker Champion Showdown Begins April 13 in Goa: Here Are the Details

The record-breaking National Poker Series India 2025 wrapped up its month-long run a fortnight ago, but the aftershocks are still being felt. Tagged the “Olympics of Indian Poker,” this fifth edition didn’t just live up to the hype; it blew past all expectations.

When the National Poker Series India 2025 was announced with a staggering ₹100 Crores in guaranteed prizes, plenty raised an eyebrow, wondering if hitting such a colossal figure was even possible. But the players answered the call. With over six lakh entries pouring in, the series dished out over ₹108 Crores in giveaways across a mind-boggling 2.50 Crore hands played. PokerBaazi, the hosting platform, deserves a hat tip for hosting a series of this scale smoothly, without any technical hiccups and complete with those cool stats and leaderboard features that made tracking your National Poker Series India 2025 journey a breeze.

What really cranked up the heat this year was the state leaderboard competition. Players weren’t just fighting for individual tournament wins; they were chasing medals to climb their state rankings. The goal: be one of the top 12 state champions, the dozen contenders who earned their ticket to the next, ultimate stage – the first-ever National Poker Champion showdown in Goa.

And that final chapter is about to be written. Next week, from April 13 to 17, these 12 state heroes will gather at the Novotel Resort & Spa in Goa. For five intense days of poker (with a crucial rest day sandwiched in between), they’ll chase a single dream: a ₹1 Crore payday and the distinction of being crowned India’s inaugural National Poker Champion.

This isn’t just some low-key affair; it’s a major event slated for a live (delayed) broadcast on the leading OTT platform, JioHotstar. The format itself borrows from the popular multi-match style seen in ‘The Circuit.‘ Finalists will battle through six distinct matches, gathering leaderboard points along the way, all aiming for one of the six seats for the grand finale on April 17.

But there’s more on the line than personal gain. This finale adds a layer of regional pride. The champion’s victory doesn’t just bring them glory; it unlocks a massive ₹1 Crore freeroll tournament exclusively for players from their home state. So, each of these 12 finalists carries the weight of their own ambition and the hopes of their entire poker community back home.

Meet the 12 NPC contenders

• Bhanu Prakash KC: Karnataka’s Leaderboard Machine
• Mohit Bohra: Gujarat’s Rising Tycoon
• Saahib Bawa: Delhi’s Double-Gold Dynamo
• Sreekanth Narayan: Kerala’s High-Stakes Hitman
• Zarvan Tumboli: The Indian Poker Sultan From Maharashtra
• Snehil Aggarwal: Haryana’s Versatile Virtuoso
• Vikhyat Ahlawat: Uttar Pradesh’s Silent Shark
• Anish Vijayvergia: Rajasthan’s Big Game Hunter
• Aditya Sushant: Tamil Nadu’s Timeless Trailblazer
• Ankit Wadhawan: Chandigarh’s Precision Performer
• Goonjan Mall: West Bengal’s Felt Philosopher
• Wilson Yomso: Arunachal Pradesh’s Vibrant Warrior

The stage is set amidst Goa’s beautiful backdrop at the Novotel Resort & Spa. Over five days, these 12 players will clash across different formats, all under the glare of cameras streaming their moves nationwide on JioHotstar. When it’s all over, one player will stand alone, their name etched into Indian poker history.

And for those wanting the inside scoop, PokerGuru, the official media partner of the National Poker Series India 2025, will be right there in Goa, delivering all the action, behind-the-scenes glimpses, player interviews, and ground-zero updates.

What’s Really Being Played For?

The National Poker Champion 2025 title is about more than a trophy; it’s about legacy. The winner walks away with a life-altering ₹1 Crore – a sum reflecting skill, dedication, and nerve. But the victory resonates further. That champion instantly triggers a ₹1 Crore freeroll for players in their home state, turning one person’s triumph into a statewide celebration and opportunity.

This showdown unfolds under a national spotlight via JioHotstar, bringing every strategic play into living rooms across India. It’s a celebration of the talent and drive defining modern Indian poker. This is history in the making. Pride, glory, and a crown await.

The NPC Showdown Roadmap

Day 1 – April 13: Opening Clashes: After two days to settle in, the fight begins with two 6-Max No-Limit Hold’em events. Everyone starts with 50,000 chips and faces 20-minute blind levels.

The 12 players will be split across two tables:

Table 1 (11:00 AM): Bhanu, Aditya, Sreekanth, Ankit, Wilson, Vikhyat

Table 2 (5:00 PM): Zarvan, Saahib, Snehil, Mohit, Goonjan, Anish

Points Distribution

1. 110 points
2. 80 points
3. 50 points
4. 30 points
5. 10 points
6. -10 points

Day 1 is about finding the rhythm and avoiding an early exit. The table draw for Day 2 follows Day 1’s conclusion.

Day 2 – April 14: Bounty Hunters: Things get spicier with two Bounty NLHE events. Same 50k starting stack and 20-minute blinds, but now, knocking out an opponent earns a crucial 15 bonus leaderboard points.

Points Distribution

1. 80 points
2. 60 points
3. 40 points
4. 20 points
5. 5 points
6. -5 points

Reputations and rankings are on the line.

Day 3 – April 15: Leaderboard Drama – Top vs. Bottom: Strategy takes centre stage. The day features a high-pressure 6-Max match pitting the leaderboard frontrunners against the bottom three. Simultaneously, the middle-ranked players battle in their own critical game. Expect big swings and potential leaderboard shake-ups as everyone fights for position.

Points Distribution

1. 110 points
2. 80 points
3. 50 points
4. 30 points
5. 10 points
6. -10 points

Day 4 – April 16: The Strategic Pause: This is a necessary break before the final push. Players must stay on-site as the documentary crew captures the mood and final strategy sessions. Finalists qualifying for the last day can invite two extra guests to cheer them on. It’s a day for reflection and mental fortification.

Day 5 – April 17: The Grand Finale: Only the top six players from the cumulative leaderboard remain. They face off one last time in a high-stakes NLHE battle. Everyone starts with 100,000 chips and 25-minute blinds, but the leaderboard position grants significant starting advantages:

1st Place: Starts with 500 Big Blinds

2nd Place: Starts with 400 Big Blinds

3rd Place: Starts with 350 Big Blinds

4th & 5th Place: Start with 250 Big Blinds each

This is it. Maximum pressure, peak strategy. India crowns its first National Poker Champion, who banks ₹1 Crore and unlocks the ₹1 Crore state freeroll.

April 18 – Check-Out: History made, bags packed. The players depart, leaving behind memories of an unforgettable week that reshaped Indian poker.

The Final Deal

From over six lakh entries across 191 events and countless satellites, the National Poker Series India 2025 has brought us to this defining moment — the twelve final warriors in Goa. Indian poker has never witnessed a spectacle of this scale. This is more than a tournament; it’s a landmark etched into the nation’s gaming legacy. The pressure is overwhelming. The spotlight is blinding. The chips are stacked. As the cards take flight in Goa, only one name will emerge victorious.

Who will seize the moment? Who will claim the crown and become India’s first-ever National Poker Champion? Keep your eyes peeled. History is about to unfold.