Online Rankings: Tarun Goyal is the Record-Breaking 2024 Player of the Year

In this feature, we bring you to the top three weekly, monthly, and yearly performers every Sunday. These rankings are based on cumulative winnings (cashes). However, the rankings only include players registered to our online ranking system, so hurry up and register if you haven’t signed up on PokerGuru yet!

The 2024 Player of the Year (POY) race is now etched in Indian poker history, leaving the community in awe of the fierce competition and record-breaking achievements that defined the year. This wasn’t just a race but a saga of ambition, resilience, and record-shattering performances that redefined Indian online poker. Forget past records – 2024 tore up the rulebook and rewrote history!

The year started with a curveball: the lingering 28% GST on deposits on online poker. But instead of hindering the game, it ignited a firestorm. Online platforms adapted; some even thrived, turning adversity into opportunity. Sure, there were adjustments like increased rake, but platforms like PokerBaazi and Natural8 India didn’t just roll with the punches; they created a whole new boxing ring packed with grand tournaments and eye-popping prize pools. 2024 was a landmark year, no doubt about it.

The POY race kicked off with a bang, with Satyam Verma briefly holding the top spot. But the regulars quickly got back in the game, and Manish Lakhotia took the lead in the second week.

Then things got crazy. Sahil Agarwal hit a mystery bounty jackpot in Natural8 India’s 525 Bounty Hunters Mystery HR [WGS Closer], racking up a monster ₹1.40 Crores and becoming the first player to cross ₹1 Crore in annual winnings. He was the king of the hill… for a while.

Then came the legend himself, three-time POY winner Young Gun Gaurav Sood. He looked keen to extend his record and reclaimed the throne in April, holding onto it for ten weeks. But just when everyone thought it was a done deal, plot twist! Natural8 India revealed the player behind the mysterious ‘HiiiBarbie’—it was none other than Young Gun Neel Joshi! With a whopping ₹4.66 Crores in winnings and 11 seven-figure scores, Joshi took the lead and blew everyone’s minds.

By September, Joshi had smashed Gaurav Sood’s 2023 record, crossing ₹5 Crores in earnings faster than anyone thought possible. The poker community held its breath – had the race already been decided? Not a chance.

Enter Tarun Goyal. Fresh off a WSOP bracelet win on Natural8 India in late August, Goyal was a man possessed. He climbed the POY rankings with a jaw-dropping ₹7.01 Crores in winnings, becoming the first player to break the ₹7 Crore barrier in a single year. No one saw that coming!

And once Goyal took the lead, there was no looking back. He finished the year with an astounding ₹12.39 Crores in winnings and nearly ₹10 Crores in profit, leaving the competition in the dust. This wasn’t just a victory; it was a domination, a performance that set a new standard for Indian poker and a benchmark that may take years to surpass. Goyal didn’t just win the POY race; he redefined the game itself.

2024 Player of the Year Rankings

1. Tarun Goyal: A Record-Breaking Journey to the 2024 POY Crown

Tarun Goyal‘s journey to the 2024 POY crown is one for the ages! He didn’t just win—he dominated in a way no one saw coming. Imagine this: he was the last player in the top 20 to really get going, jumping into the action in mid-August. But once he did, he blew past the competition like a rocket.

Goyal’s first big win of the year was Adda52’s Mega Millions in May. But it was his insane run on Natural8 India that launched him to the top of the Player of the Year race.

From mid-August onwards, Goyal was unstoppable. He kicked things off with a second-place finish in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR Main Event 525 for a whopping ₹1.04 Crores. Then, boom! He snagged an online WSOP bracelet in the Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha 840 for ₹1.10 Crores and followed it up with a deep run in the MONSTER STACK 1500 for ₹32.45 Lakhs – all in the second half of August! By late September, he had already racked up four seven-figure scores and added another ₹1.11 Crores to his winnings by taking down the Bounty Hunters HR Deepstack 525. And just when you thought he might slow down, he dropped another bomb in late October, grabbing a stunning ₹1.23 Crores in the GGMillion$ Main Event 10300.

Get this: in just four months, Goyal scored five eight-figure wins. That’s insane consistency! This guy’s journey from IT professional to poker legend is a story of pure skill, determination, and a whole lot of guts.

But the moment that truly defined Goyal’s year came in mid-December in Natural8 India’s ₹2.75 Lakhs Mystery Millions Online 2750. While his 93rd-place finish might not seem like a big deal at first glance, it was anything but. Goyal snagged a record-breaking ₹5 Crores mystery bounty as well. This jaw-dropping feat brought his total winnings for the event to ₹5.05 Crores – the biggest single score in Indian online poker history! With a WSOP bracelet and this monumental achievement under his belt, Goyal’s claim to the 2024 POY crown was undeniable.

By the end of the year, Goyal had amassed an unbelievable ₹12.39 Crores in winnings, including ₹11.74 Crores on Natural8 India alone, with profits close to ₹10 Crores! He’s the only player in Indian poker history to achieve five eight-figure scores in a single year.

And it wasn’t just about the big wins. Goyal topped the monthly leaderboards in August and September, came in third in October, and seventh in November. Then he finished the year with a bang, reclaiming the top spot in December with a mind-blowing ₹5.06 Crores – almost all of it pure profit! Goyal is also the only player to lead the monthly rankings thrice in one year. Goyal’s 2024 performance was a masterclass in poker strategy and determination. He didn’t just win the POY race; he redefined what it meant to be a champion.

Top Scores This Year

– 93rd in Natural8 India’s Mystery Millions Online 2750 for ₹5,05,49,171

– 10th in Natural8 India’s GGMillion$ Main Event 10300 for ₹1,22,79,365

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR Deepstack 525 for ₹1,11,41,317

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Bounty Pot-Limit Omaha 840 for ₹1,09,56,183* (WSOP Online Bracelet)

– 2nd in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR Deepstack 525 for ₹1,04,07,140

2. The Silent Assassin: Anant Purohit’s Climb to #2 in the POY Race

Anant Purohit‘s 2024 poker journey was a masterclass in persistence and quiet determination. This wasn’t about flashy wins; it was a calculated climb to the top, fueled by unwavering consistency. Purohit, the oldest contender in the top 20 of the POY rankings, proved that experience and a cool head can be the deadliest weapons in a player’s arsenal, culminating in the most incredible year of his decade-long poker career.

Purohit was a steady force throughout the year, but his POY campaign kicked into high gear in late August when he took down the GGMasters Bounty 108 on Natural8 India for a cool ₹16.40 Lakhs.

That win was just the beginning of an epic run on Natural8 India. In September, Purohit reached new heights, highlighted by a monumental ₹84.61 Lakhs victory in the Bounty Hunters HR Deepstack 525 and another ₹51.84 Lakhs win in the Bounty Hunters Sunday BIG GAME 215. November was just as lucrative, with Purohit racking up ₹75.76 Lakhs in total winnings that month alone.

Purohit flew under the radar for a while, but his climb to #2 on the POY leaderboard was as impressive as it was unexpected. In a dramatic year-end twist, he overtook his closest rival on the third-last day of December, cementing his place as one of the year’s top performers. By the end of 2024, Purohit had amassed a staggering ₹5.98 Crores in winnings and ₹4.22 Crores in profit, becoming one of only four players to break the ₹5 Crores earnings barrier.

December was no exception. Purohit finished the month ranked #3 with ₹1.24 Crores in winnings, fueled by impressive performances like a fourth-place finish in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR 525 for ₹20.04 Lakhs, a third-place finish in PokerBaazi’s WPT#67 Super HighRoller for ₹10.95 Lakhs, and another podium finish in the Bounty Hunters HR 525 for ₹23.91 Lakhs.

Purohit’s success wasn’t built on a single lucky break; it was a product of consistent excellence. His dominance on Natural8 India alone contributed ₹4.62 Crores to his total, with six titles, nine podium finishes, and ten seven-figure scores in just the last three months of the year.

In a world of flashy players and bold moves, Purohit’s quiet determination and exceptional results served as a powerful reminder that consistency is king.

Top Scores This Year

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR Deepstack 525 for ₹84,60,864

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters Sunday BIG GAME 215 for ₹51,83,920

– 5th in Natural8 India’s Bounty No-Limit Hold’em 320 for ₹28,97,673

– 3rd in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR 525 for ₹23,90,791

3. The Poker Maverick`s Wild Ride: Neel Joshi’s Near-Miss at the POY Title

Young Gun Neel Joshi has long been a force to reckon with in Indian poker, but 2024 saw him elevate his game to extraordinary heights. This wasn’t just about winning a few tournaments; it was about rewriting the record books and setting a new standard for excellence. For a good chunk of the year, Joshi held the coveted top spot in the POY race, making everyone wonder if anyone would catch up to him.

Joshi’s performance was nothing short of legendary. In September alone, he smashed Gaurav Sood’s 2023 record, becoming the fastest player to rake in ₹5 Crores in winnings in a calendar year.

For a while, it seemed like the POY title was his for the taking. But then, in a twist no one saw coming, Joshi took a step back from the virtual felt during the winter arc. This unexpected hiatus opened the door for other contenders, like Tarun Goyal and Anant Purohit, to make their move, crafting a thrilling conclusion to the year’s POY race.

But let’s not forget Joshi’s incredible run – it was the spark that ignited this whole competition. This PokerStars India ambassador racked up ₹5.95 Crores in winnings and ₹3.76 Crores in profit. His performance on Natural8 India was particularly fantastic, with ₹5.08 Crores in winnings and jaw-dropping 15 seven-figure scores.

Whispers of additional success on untracked platforms only added to the intrigue surrounding Joshi’s campaign, though no confirmation has been provided either way. Regardless, his known accomplishments alone firmly establish him as one of Indian poker’s brightest stars.

While the POY title may have slipped through his fingers, Joshi’s influence on the race was undeniable. His record-breaking performance and early dominance set the tone for one of the most competitive and unforgettable years in Indian poker history.

Top Scores This Year

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR 525 for ₹53,44,245

– 5th in Natural8 India’s Super Monday Monster Stack 1500 for ₹46,23,304

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Daily Warm-Up 250 for ₹24,56,234

– 2nd in Natural8 India’s Saturday Superstack 320 for ₹23,05,173

4. Nishaanth Shanmughasundaram: The Recreational Player Who Stormed the POY Race

Nishaanth Shanmughasundaram was the dark horse of 2024, a player who came out of nowhere to shake up the POY race. He first caught our attention with a couple of six-figure scores on Natural8 India in February and May. But it was in June that he really made a splash, taking down Natural8 India’s Beijing Mystery Millions for an insane ₹1.97 Crores! Up until then, Shanmughasundaram was known as a recreational player, someone who enjoyed the thrill of the game. But after that win, something changed.

By the end of August, he was a regular fixture in our coverage, consistently racking up outstanding scores. In September, he conquered the Bounty Hunters MAIN EVENT 54 on Natural8 India for another ₹66.66 Lakhs.

Nishaanth’s momentum continued as he topped the November charts and finished the year strong, adding ₹38.08 Lakhs to his bankroll in December (₹32.03 Lakhs in profit). A major contributor to his December success was a third-place finish in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR Mystery Paradise 525, where he earned a cool ₹27.60 Lakhs. After that, he took to social media to express his gratitude for an incredible year and announced that he was taking a well-deserved break from the virtual felt.

But you can’t keep a good player down for long. In a surprise move, Nishaanth returned to action in the last week of December. On the final Saturday of 2024, he finished fourth in the Saturday Santa’s Secret KO 150 for ₹15.71 Lakhs and then capped off the year with a runner-up finish in PokerBaazi’s The Endeavour for ₹5.99 Lakhs.

By the time the confetti settled, Nishaanth had tallied a staggering ₹5.73 Crores in winnings and ₹4.52 Crores in profit, finishing #4 in the 2024 POY race. This recreational player turned poker powerhouse proved that with determination and a lot of skill, anyone can climb to the top. And with his newfound success, Nishaanth is well on his way to achieving his goal of becoming a full-time poker pro.

Top Scores This Year

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Beijing Mystery Bounty Millions for ₹1,97,39,510

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters MAIN EVENT 54 for ₹66,66,456

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Korea National Cup for ₹33,43,894* (Online Asian Poker Tour Trophy)

– 3rd in Natural8 India’s Saturday Santa’s Secret KO 150 for ₹27,60,431

5. Advait Rajguru: The Multi-Talented Ace Who Conquered Both Live and Online

Advait Rajguru, the young poker phenom and PokerGuru Staking coach, proved that he’s a true all-around poker champion. He finished the POY race in fifth place, showcasing incredible consistency by racking up ₹4.42 Crores in winnings and ₹2.12 Crores in profit. But Rajguru wasn’t content with just sitting behind a computer screen; he made some standout appearances on the live poker scene as well, leading the Deccan Aces to a thrilling victory in Pocket52 PSL Season 6 and putting on a strong showing in PokerBaazi’s The Circuit.

Rajguru’s ability to balance both live and online poker is a testament to his adaptability and undeniable talent. He knows when to switch gears, when to play aggressively, and when to hold back, making him a formidable opponent in any format. Some of his 2024 highlights include a ₹45.18 Lakhs win in PokerBaazi’s IPM#57 Big Value, a fourth-place finish in Natural8 India’s Daily Main Event 250 for ₹12.39 Lakhs, and, of course, his leadership role in the Deccan Aces’ PSL Season 6 victory. With his impressive skills, Rajguru is definitely a player to watch in the upcoming POY races.

Top Scores This Year

– 1st in PokerBaazi’s IPM#57 Big Value for ₹45,18,444

– 4th in Natural8 India’s Daily Main Event 250 for ₹12,39,321

– 2nd in Natural8 India’s Crazy Eights 88 for ₹9,49,957

6. Shreyansh Sharma: The Young Prodigy Who Took the Poker World by Storm

At just 23 years old, Shreyansh Sharma took the 2024 scene by storm, proving that age is just a number when it comes to crushing the competition. This poker prodigy may have joined the POY race a little late, but he finished with a bang, ending the year at #6 with a jaw-dropping ₹4.40 Crores in winnings (just a hair’s breadth away from a top-five finish) and a whopping ₹3.45 Crores in profit. He’s the youngest player in the POY top 20, and he’s only just getting started!

Sharma’s biggest highlight of the year was a mind-blowing ₹1.54 Crores haul in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR MAIN EVENT 525, thanks to a mystery bounty windfall.

But Sharma’s success wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. He dominated the May leaderboard, snagged the #4 spot in November, and then closed out the year with a December to remember, landing at #2 on the December leaderboard with ₹1.81 Crores in winnings (and a staggering ₹1.69 Crores in profit).

Sharma’s meteoric rise is proof that he’s got the skills and the dedication to become a legend. He’s a phenomenon who’s already earned his place among the elite, and we can’t wait to see what he does next!

Top Scores This Year

– 1st in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR Main Event 525 for ₹1,54,28,544

– 42nd in Natural8 India’s Sunday Showdown 108 for ₹51,45,295

– 2nd in Natural8 India’s Sunday Grand Prix Europe 25 for ₹13,22,159

7. Sanjay Chaudhary: The Comeback King Who Crushed G.O.A.T.

Sanjay Chaudhary, a relatively unknown player on PokerBaazi, pulled off one of the most incredible comebacks of 2024. He was down a whopping ₹30 Lakhs by mid-October, but then he turned everything around with a jaw-dropping performance in the G.O.A.T. 2024. He finished as the runner-up, but thanks to a heads-up deal with the champion, Kabir Chhatwal (who took home ₹3.11 Crores), Chaudhary walked away with a mind-blowing ₹4.14 Crores – the second-largest online payout in Indian poker history!

Chaudhary and Chhatwal shattered previous records, eclipsing Aayush Arya’s ₹2.76 Crores WSOP bracelet win and Nishaanth Shanmughasundaram’s ₹1.97 Crores Beijing Mystery Bounty Millions score. This incredible feat launched Chaudhary straight to #3 in the POY race. While he ultimately finished seventh with ₹4.29 Crores in winnings (annual profits – ₹4 Crores), his comeback story is one for the ages. Sanjay Chaudhary proved that anything is possible in poker!

Top Scores This Year

– 2nd in PokerBaazi’s GOAT 2024 for ₹4,14,04,070

2024 POY#10 Stalwarts

The 2024 POY race wasn’t just about the top contenders; it was a showcase of the best and brightest in Indian poker. Let’s take a look at some of the other players who lit up the leaderboard: Satyam Verma (#8 with ₹4.32 Crores), WSOP bracelet winner and Young Gun Aayush Arya (#9 with ₹4.26 Crores) and the GOAT 2024 champion Kabir Chhatwal (#10 with ₹3.57 Crores).

The Rest of the POY Top 20: A Galaxy of Poker Stars

But the talent didn’t stop there. The rest of the POY top 20 was a galaxy of poker stars, including Neeraj Sattawat (#11 with ₹3.54 Crores), Rajneesh Thakur (#12 with ₹3.25 Crores), JaiKiran Kumar (#13 with ₹3.18 Crores), Rising Star Aman Parakh (#14 with ₹3 Crores), Sashank Chakravarthy (#15 with ₹2.98 Crores), 2024 TLB topper Mohak Kapoor (#16 with ₹2.92 Crores), legendary three-time POY Young Gun Gaurav Sood (#17 with ₹2.92 Crores), Sagar Raj (#18 with ₹2.87 Crores), Manish Lakhotia (#19 with ₹2.68 Crores), and Vinay B (#20 with ₹2.65 Crores).

2024 was a year of incredible achievements, record-breaking wins, and unforgettable moments in Indian poker. The bar has been set incredibly high, and it remains to be seen if 2025 can match the excitement and drama of the previous year. One thing is for sure: the future of Indian poker is bright, and we can’t wait to see what the next generation of players will achieve.

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