NPS India 2025 Shatters Records With Over ₹110 Crores in Giveaways – Meet the 12 Contenders Headed For the National Poker Champion Showdown

The echoes were undeniable when the dust finally settled on Monday after the epic finale of the National Poker Series (NPS) India 2025. This wasn’t just another tournament series; it felt like a fundamental shift. Initially dangling a jaw-dropping ₹100 Crores guarantee, the month-long poker marathon didn’t just live up to the intense buzz—it blew past it, setting a new, higher benchmark for what Indian poker could achieve.

We witnessed fortunes forged; records absolutely shattered, and a captivating state-versus-state battle that has now set the stage for the first-ever National Poker Champion showdown in Goa. Even as some of the series’ biggest names will be clinking glasses in New Delhi tonight at the glittering “Night of Glory” bash, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the sheer scale of what just unfolded. This series was one for the ages.

From February 23 to March 24 (with a break day for Holi), this 29-day poker epic on PokerBaazi took the scene by storm. Forget projections; the reality was staggering:

Total Entries: 6,08,946

Prize Money Distributed: ₹108+ Crores

Grind Hours: 4,400

Hands Played: 2.56 Crores

Players Who Cashed: 4,388

And the milestones kept coming:

• 8 players walked away with ₹50 Lakhs or more.
• 276 players pocketed ₹10 Lakhs or more.
• 1,678 players banked over ₹1 Lakh.

Factor in the ₹4 Crores distributed through leaderboards and another ₹2 Crores via “Road to NPS” satellites, and the total giveaway soared past ₹110 Crores. That’s a full 10% over the initial guarantee, cementing NPS India 2025 as the most ambitious and richest poker festival this country has witnessed.

Amidst countless stories of grit and skill, a few narratives demanded the spotlight:

• Bhavye Mittal: Snapped a nearly four-year title-less streak in spectacular fashion, capturing the NPS Main Event crown and a life-altering ₹94.26 Lakhs – the largest single payout in NPS history (soon to be eclipsed by the ₹1 Crore awaiting the National Poker Champion).
• Bhanu Prakash KC: Put on a clinic in endurance and point accumulation, conquering both the NPS Series and NPC Leaderboards while utterly commanding the Karnataka State Leaderboard with a stunning haul of five medals (3 Gold, 2 Silver).
• Zarvan Tumboli: Executed a dramatic final-day push, landing a crucial podium finish to grab his spot in the NPC showdown.
• Saahib Bawa: Etched his name in the history books by winning two Gold Medals in a single day – a feat unmatched by anyone else this year.

Now, the top 12 state champions are preparing to converge on Goa, where the ultimate title hangs in the balance.

Let’s unpack how NPS India 2025 didn’t just break records but also redefined what poker excellence looks like.

Main Event Mayhem: Bhavye Mittal’s Grand Return

The ₹10 Crores GTD NPS#191 Main Event (the biggest-ever NPS event) was always going to be the series’ heart-stopper, and it delivered one of the most intense finales seen in Indian online poker.

Bhavye Mittal entered the finale chasing redemption after a title drought that lasted nearly four years. He didn’t just shed that weight; he obliterated it. Seizing the Gold, the championship, and a jaw-dropping ₹94.26 Lakhs (following a three-way deal), Mittal earned his first NPS medal, his third career title, and a score that dwarfed his previous best by more than five times. It was a comeback scripted for maximum impact.

Close behind was Dhruvin Kothari, a 39-year-old poker veteran making his NPS debut this year. Playing just 20 events, Kothari made an immediate statement, battling his way to the Main Event’s final stages to claim the Silver Medal and ₹82.11 Lakhs – his largest online score ever, more than doubling his previous best.

Pratik Manjrekar, already recognized for his near-miss in the EndBoss Special Edition 2023, continued his red-hot streak this year. His third-place finish in the Main Event netted him ₹60.64 Lakhs (part of the same deal) and a Bronze Medal – his second-biggest online payday.

More Glory, More Big Scores

While the Main Event captured headlines, numerous other players carved out significant victories. Here’s a roll call of some other major winners:

• Hardik Paharia – ₹40.05 Lakhs in ₹2 Crores GTD NPS#143 HighRoller
• Suyash Sanghavi – ₹34.91 Lakhs in ₹5 Crores GTD NPS#147 Mini Main Event
• Mohsin Shaikh – ₹22.87 Lakhs in ₹1.20 Crores GTD NPS#168 Super HighRoller
• Kritagya Sharma – ₹18.16 Lakhs in ₹3 Crores GTD NPS#82 Mega Rush
• Devansh Shah – ₹13.92 Lakhs in ₹1.20 Crores GTD NPS#54 Big Knockout (PKO)
• Ridhav Chawla – ₹13.69 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#114 Mini HighRoller
• Vishal Bansal – ₹13.68 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#26 (7-Max) Championship
• Saahib Bawa – ₹12.02 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#40 Friday Freestyle
• Kartik Ved – ₹11.92 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#67 Tuesday Tornado
• Shagun Jain – ₹11.92 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#87 (7-Max) Friday Freestyle
• Saransh Garg – ₹11.92 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#102 Big Knockout (KO)
• N S Nageshwari – ₹11.92 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#140 Sunday Slam
• Prashanth Chandrasekhar – ₹11.92 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#154 Big Knockout (PKO)
• Hrishikesh Kulkarni – ₹11.47 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#188 Sunday Marathon
• Pranav Baheti – ₹11.22 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#127 Value Mine
• Anshul Raj – ₹11.19 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#1 Kickoff
• Prince Singh – ₹9.43 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#5 Inaugural
• Rahul Kumar – ₹9.34 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#50 Sunday Kickoff
• Nitesh Katiyar – ₹7.56 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#97 Sunday Kickoff
• Vikram Mishra – ₹6.02 Lakhs in ₹1 Crore GTD NPS#190 Golden Rush

The Leaderboard Legends

Bhanu Prakash KC, a name synonymous with relentless grinding and leaderboard domination, put forth a performance that bordered on the unreal. Topping the NPS Series Leaderboard (a position he held consistently through the final weeks), the Karnataka pro racked up an astounding 38,714 points from 158 cashes after playing almost every event (barring just one), bagging the ₹30 Lakhs top prize. His tireless effort and phenomenal results have added to his reputation as the ultimate leaderboard hunter.

Rising Star Aman Parakh, who had been lurking in third on the Series Leaderboard, executed a masterful final-day push. A fourth-place finish in the Main Event, coupled with another cash in the Golden Rush, added 2,543 points, vaulting him into second place with 36,756 points. That leap earned him ₹20 Lakhs, a cool ₹10 Lakhs more than third place would have paid – a profitable surge indeed.

Despite dropping one spot, Vinay Rajpal’s campaign was exceptional. His 166 cashes were the most by any player in the series, and his 36,545 points earned him a hefty ₹15 Lakhs for third place.

Zarvan Tumboli’s Final Day Clutch Play

The high drama extended beyond the series leaderboard. PokerBaazi Team Pro Zarvan Tumboli found himself in a high-stakes standoff for the Maharashtra State Leaderboard title. Neck-and-neck with Gopal Bajaj heading into the final day, Tumboli needed a top-three finish in the NPS#190 Golden Rush to punch his ticket to the NPC showdown.

Under intense pressure, he delivered. Tumboli battled his way to third place, grabbing his first Bronze Medal (and sixth medal overall) of the series. He became only the second player this year to collect six medals. His qualification was a huge personal win, a thrill for his supporters, and gives PokerBaazi a formidable contender in Goa – Tumboli’s extensive live poker background makes him a serious threat for the national title.

Saahib Bawa’s Double Gold Delight

In a series filled with remarkable achievements, Saahib Bawa carved out a unique piece of history. Like Snehil Aggarwal and Zarvan Tumboli, Bawa started the series without any NPS medals. He ended it by achieving something unique: winning two Gold Medals on the same day. This incredible performance, part of a four-medal haul (3 Gold, 1 Silver), propelled him to the top of the Delhi State Leaderboard and straight into the NPC showdown.

The National Poker Champion Showdown: 12 Contenders Emerge

The online battles are over; the points are tallied. Players from 24 different states earned medals this year and a tidy ₹2 Lakh bonus each for their state leaderboard achievements. But the biggest showdown is yet to come. All focus shifts to Goa, where in just three weeks, the top 12 State Leaderboard champions will collide. The prize on the line is the title of India’s first-ever National Poker Champion, a life-changing ₹1 Crore grand prize, and bragging rights that unlock a massive ₹1 Crore freeroll for the winner’s home state. Expect passionate support and an intense atmosphere for this finale, which will be streamed live for all to see on a leading OTT channel.

Let’s meet the 12 players chasing poker immortality:

Bhanu Prakash KC – Karnataka`s Leaderboard Machine: If you need proof of relentless dedication, look no further. Bhanu cashed in 158 of 190 events (an insane 83% cash rate!), collecting ₹42.72 Lakhs and five medals (3 Gold, 2 Silver). He dominated the NPS Series Leaderboard (₹30 Lakhs prize) and his state leaderboard (₹2 Lakhs prize). Heading to Goa as the points leader and arguably the most consistent player, he’s the benchmark.

• Total events played – 190
• Total events cashed – 83% (158)
• Total Series winnings – ₹42.72 Lakhs

Medals Won – 3 Golds & 2 Silver

• Gold in NPS#37 Knockout (KO) (₹5.93 Lakhs including ₹13,000 in bounties)
• Silver in NPS#38 (5-Max) Hyper SPRINT (₹2.79 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#49 (6-Max) SPRINT (₹2.93 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#58 Megadive (₹2.46 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#131 (6-Max) Hyper (₹2.27 Lakhs)

Other achievements

• NPS Series Leaderboard topper (₹30 Lakhs)

Mohit Bohra – Gujarat’s Rising Tycoon: Bohra played with focused intensity, turning his campaign into a five-medal haul and ₹36.96 Lakhs across 126 cashes from 191 events. His three Golds (NPS#27 Slamdunk, NPS#92 Relay, NPS#112 7-Max SPRINT) and two Silvers demonstrated a knack for closing. His performance yielded 32,066 points, placing him 5th on the Series Leaderboard for an extra ₹8 Lakhs. As Gujarat’s champion, Bohra arrives in Goa armed with quiet confidence and proven results.

• Total events played – 191
• Total events cashed – 66% (126)
• Total Series winnings – ₹36.96 Lakhs

Medal Won – 3 Golds & 2 Silver

• Silver in NPS#6 Marathon (₹4 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#27 Slamdunk (₹2.45 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#45 Knockout (KO) (₹2.46 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#92 Relay (₹4.60 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#112 (7-Max) Sprint (₹2.27 Lakhs)

Other achievements

• Finished 5th on the NPS Series Leaderboard (₹8 Lakhs)

Saahib Bawa – Delhi’s Double-Gold Dynamo: Efficiency and impact defined Bawa’s series. He played only 61 events but made them count, stacking up ₹30.21 Lakhs and four medals. His legendary March 19 run saw him win two Golds (NPS#40 Friday Freestyle, NPS#160 Knockout PKO), practically locking his NPC spot. Adding another Gold and Silver, he topped the Delhi State Leaderboard (₹2 Lakhs). Bawa heads to Goa as a dangerous wildcard capable of explosive plays.

• Total events played – 61
• Total events cashed – 34% (21)
• Total Series winnings – ₹30.21 Lakhs

Medal Won – 3 Gold & 1 Silver

• Gold in NPS#40 Friday Freestyle (₹12.02 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#62 SlamDunk (₹2.27 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#160 Knockout (PKO) (₹3.47 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#161 (6-Max) Big Sprint (₹7.43 Lakhs)

Sreekanth Narayan – Kerala’s High-Stakes Hitman: The 2023 POY #2 was another force at the series. Playing 131 events, cashing 54 times for ₹29.58 Lakhs, Narayan collected five medals (2 Gold, 3 Silver/Bronze), doing much of the heavy lifting for Kerala. His biggest cash came from a runner-up finish NPS#47 Slamdunk. As Kerala’s champion, he brings a pressure-tested game to the NPC finale, a player who can deliver when the pressure is on

• Total events played – 131
• Total events cashed – 41% (54)
• Total Series winnings – ₹29.58 Lakhs

Medals Won – 2 Golds, 2 Silver & 1 Bronze

• Silver in NPS#47 Slamdunk (₹8.82 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#138 (4-Max) Hyper SPRINT (₹2.73 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#157 Megadive (₹2.90 Lakhs)
• Bronze in NPS#170 (7-Max) SPRINT (₹2.38 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#173 Marathon (₹2.20 Lakhs)

Zarvan Tumboli – The Indian Poker Sultan From Maharashtra: This PokerBaazi Team Pro successfully translated his renowned live poker prowess to the demanding online NPS schedule. Committing to playing all 191 events – a challenge he admitted was a new frontier for him – he cashed 115 times, earning ₹48.89 Lakhs. His six medals (tied for most) included Gold and podiums across various formats. After that dramatic final-day qualification to NPC showdown, the seasoned live player is bringing his experience and flair to Goa, aiming for the national crown.

• Total events played – 191
• Total events cashed – 60% (115)
• Total Series winnings – ₹48.89 Lakhs

Medals Won – 1 Gold, 4 Silver & 1 Bronze

• Gold in NPS#6 Marathon (₹5.68 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#20 (PLO-5) (₹2.63 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#67 Tuesday Tornado (₹8.28 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#162 (PLO-4) HighRoller (₹11.5K)
• Silver in NPS#175 (PLO-5) HighRoller (₹5.43 Lakhs)
• Bronze in NPS#190 Golden Rush (₹5.29 Lakhs)

Other achievements

• Finished 17th on the NPS Series Leaderboard (₹2 Lakhs)

Snehil Aggarwal – Haryana’s Steady Storm: Consistency was Aggarwal’s game. Playing 190 events, he cashed 127 times for ₹44.45 Lakhs. His incredible six medals (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze) spoke volumes about his tournament instincts across various formats. Finishing 11th on the Series Leaderboard and leading the Haryana State Leaderboard, he arrives in Goa as a versatile and reliable performer.

• Total events played – 190
• Total events cashed – 67% (127)
• Total Series winnings – ₹44.45 Lakhs

Medals Won – 2 Gold, 1 Silver & 3 Bronze

• Gold in NPS#14 (PLO-6) Megadive (₹4.32 Lakhs)
• Bronze in NPS#35 Marathon (₹2.94 Lakhs)
• Bronze in NPS#155 (PLO-5) Knockout (PKO) (₹3.19 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#162 (PLO-4) HighRoller (₹4.59 Lakhs)
• Bronze in NPS#163 (6-Max) Hyper SPRINT (₹2.23 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#176 Megadive (₹2.74 Lakhs)

Other achievements

• Finished 11th on the NPS Series Leaderboard (₹3 Lakhs)

Vikhyat Ahlawat – Uttar Pradesh’s Stoic Striker: Ahlawat wasn’t just present; he was consistently profitable. Playing all 191 events, his 148 cashes resulted in an astonishing 77% cash rate. His four medals included two commanding Gold wins, notably in the NPS#12 Monday Marathon for ₹9.55 Lakhs. His efforts landed him 10th on the Series Leaderboard (31,215 points, ₹3 Lakhs). He’s a player whose quiet persistence yields big results, making him one to watch closely in Goa.

• Total events played – 191
• Total events cashed – 77% (148)
• Total Series winnings – ₹36.41 Lakhs

Medals Won – 2 Golds & 2 Silver

• Gold in NPS#12 Monday Marathon (₹9.55 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#29 (7-Max) Sprint (₹3.94 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#123 (PLO-6) DeepDive (₹2.02 Lakhs)
• Silver in NPS#186 Marathon (₹3.29 Lakhs)

Other achievements

• Finished 10th on the NPS Series Leaderboard (₹3 Lakhs)

Anish Vijayvergia – Rajasthan’s Big Game Hunter: When Vijayvergia connected, the impact was significant. His total series winnings of ₹54.2 Lakhs were the highest among the 12 NPC finalists, blending consistency with explosive finishes. Two Golds and a Bronze powered his run, heavily boosted by a massive ₹18.92 Lakhs for third place in the NPS#82 Mega Rush. This performance placed him 14th on the Series Leaderboar. Vijayvergia enters Goa as a momentum machine—ready to pounce on the biggest prize of them all.

• Total events played – 188
• Total events cashed – 69% (130)
• Total Series winnings – ₹54.2 Lakhs

Medals Won – 2 Golds & 1 Bronze

• Gold in NPS#80 SlamDunk (₹5.75 Lakhs)
• Bronze in NPS#82 Mega Rush (₹18.92 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#170 (7-max) Sprint (₹4.44 Lakhs)

Other achievements

• Finished 14th on NPS Series Leaderboard (₹2.50 Lakhs)

Aditya Sushant – Tamil Nadu’s Timeless Trailblazer: India’s pioneering WSOP bracelet winner showed he still possesses the magic. Sushant played 188 events, cashing 122 times for ₹39.34 Lakhs in winnings. He steadily build up form, snagging two late-series Gold medals (NPS#189 Afterparty & NPS#171 PLO-5 Knockout (PKO)). His consistency landed him 18th on the NPS Series Leaderboard. The respected veteran now sets his sights on adding the National Poker Champion title to his legacy, and given his experience and track record, this is the player everyone has to beat.

• Total events played – 188
• Total events cashed – 65% (122)
• Total Series winnings – ₹39.34 Lakhs

Medals Won – 2 Golds

• Gold in NPS#189 Afterparty (₹3.21 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#171 (PLO-5) Knockout (PKO) (₹3 Lakhs)

Other achievements

• Finished 18th on NPS Series Leaderboard (₹1.5 Lakhs)

Ankit Wadhawan – Chandigarh’s Precision Performer: Operating effectively without excessive fanfare, Wadhawan put together a very solid series. Playing 176 events, he cashed 118 times and banked ₹22.69 Lakhs, showing good ROI. Two Gold medals, in the NPS#65 (PLO-5) and NPS#31 Relay, demonstrated his ability to close things when it mattered. Understated but capable, Wadhawan could surprise many in the Goa finale.

• Total events played – 176
• Total events cashed – 67% (118)
• Total Series winnings – ₹22.69 Lakhs

Medals Won – 2 Golds

• Gold in NPS#31 Relay (₹2.5 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#65 (PLO-5) (₹2.77 Lakhs)

Other achievements

• Finished 43rd on NPS Series Leaderboard (₹60K)

Goonjan Mall – West Bengal’s Felt Philosopher: Known for his attacking style, Mall made his presence felt across 150 events, cashing 87 times for ₹19.33 Lakhs. His two Gold medals came in NPS#153 (4-Max) Hyper and NPS#64 Deepdive, getting him a seat in the NPC showdown. Mall brings experience and undeniable skill to the Goa finale, making him a very serious contender.

• Total events played – 150
• Total events cashed – 58% (87)
• Total Series winnings – ₹19.33 Lakhs

Medals Won – 2 Golds

• Gold in NPS#64 Deepdive (₹3.45 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#153 (4-Max) Hyper (₹3.97 Lakhs)

Wilson Yomso – Arunachal Pradesh’s Vibrant Warrior: This stylish banker demonstrated surgical precision. Playing 153 events, he cashed 59 times for ₹19.19 Lakhs, highlighted by two well-earned Gold Medal victories in NPS#138 (4-Max) Hyper SPRINT and NPS#128 Megadive. Yomso proved that smart game selection and timely aggression pay off and he arrives in Goa with a chip on his shoulder and the skill to back it up.

• Total events played – 153
• Total events cashed – 39% (59)
• Total Series winnings – ₹19.19 Lakhs

Medals Won – 2 Golds

• Gold in NPS#128 MegaDive (₹3.51 Lakhs)
• Gold in NPS#138 (4-Max) Hyper Sprint (₹3.91 Lakhs)

The Road Ends in Goa

Twelve champions forged in the fire of a record-breaking series. One coveted crown. The ultimate stage is now prepared in Goa for the National Poker Champion Showdown. As these finalists ready themselves for a high-stakes battle with ₹1 Crore on the line for the winner, one player will carve their name into Indian poker history – and gift their entire state a shot at glory in a massive ₹1 Crore freeroll.

The countdown is on. India is about to crown its first National Poker Champion.

Keep following PokerGuru for all the updates from the National Poker Series India 2025!