Who Will Be Crowned PokerGuru’s 2023 People’s Poker Champion? Your Vote Decides!

The PokerGuru 2023 People’s Poker Championship, proudly sponsored by Natural8 India, has reached its most thrilling stage. After months of building excitement, the 14 nominees have been unveiled, and now it’s your time to shine! Your vote holds the power to shape the destiny of these poker stars and determine which six will advance to an electrifying Sit & Go showdown on Natural8 India. Who will rise to the top and be crowned the People’s Poker Champion? It’s all in your hands!

The nominees are a star-studded lineup of India’s most decorated poker powerhouses who made waves last year. But only six will advance to the heart-pounding Sit & Go tournament hosted on Natural8 India. Will your favourite player make the cut? It’s all up to you!

Voting is open until 11:59 PM on June 4. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your say and potentially witness your favourite player claim victory! Simply click here and fill out the Google Form to cast your vote.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Natural8 India is giving away ₹500 in bonus cash to 100 lucky voters who also engage with PPC 2023 social media posts. You will not only have a voice in the competition, but you could also walk away with a sweet reward for your participation.

The People’s Poker Champion will not only earn the prestigious title but also receive a coveted Natural8 India-branded trophy and ₹1.50 Lakhs worth of Natural8 India bonuses or passes to their upcoming live event. The runner-up will also be handsomely rewarded with ₹75,000 worth of bonuses or passes.

Don’t just watch history unfold; be a part of it! Cast your vote before time runs out on June 4, 11:59 PM, and seize the chance to elevate your favourite player to the throne. Will your poker hero be crowned the 2023 People’s Poker Champion? The power is in your hands!

2023 People’s Poker Championship Nominees

Vishal Ojha – Online Poker Dynamo and Live Tournament Star

Vishal Ojha’s 2023 poker journey has been nothing short of meteoric. This seasoned online regular exploded onto the scene, carving his name in poker history with a string of stunning victories and audacious performances.

His crowning jewel was conquering the USOP Hanoi Main Event last September, a feat that netted him a whopping VN₫ 4.952 Billion (~₹1.71 Crores) and catapulted him into the top 30 of India’s all-time money list. But the champagne hadn’t even gone flat before he hoisted another trophy – championing the Legend Poker Series Super High Roller for a staggering online-best ₹26.77 Lakhs, just three days later!

Ojha’s brilliance transcends formats. He’s a force to be reckoned with in the thrilling live atmosphere of major tournaments and the intense cerebral battles of online MTTs. He’s the Indian flagbearer on the global stage, a player respected for his strategic mastery and feared for his relentless drive.

Ankit Ahuja – The Great Indian Migratory Bird

From Senior Product Development Manager at PokerStars to a high-stakes poker prodigy, Ankit Ahuja’s transition to mainstream poker has been phenomenal. Excelling on the international scene, particularly in Europe, Ahuja has raked in over ₹20.50 Crores in live tournaments.

His trophy cabinet boasts significant wins, such as the EPT Eureka Main Event and the Red Dragon Manila High Roller, among many others. At 36, this New Delhi-born poker star has twice topped the GPI Player of the Year (India) rankings, making him one of the most accomplished poker players in the country.

Aditya Agarwal – The OG Indian Poker Guru

Aditya Agarwal is not just a name in the Indian poker scene; he’s a cornerstone. Emerging as one of the first Indian players to gain international recognition, Agarwal’s impact transcends mere personal success. He’s a pioneer, mentor, and legend whose influence has shaped the very fabric of the country’s poker landscape.

He’s been instrumental in shaping the MTT scene, starting as early as 2010 and laying the groundwork for the thriving industry it is today. He wasn’t just playing. He was nurturing, becoming a beacon for aspiring players across the nation.

Beyond his impressive tournament wins, Agarwal’s true impact lies in his mentorship. He has fostered the careers of countless players, many now ranking among India’s elite. His dedication earned him the well-deserved moniker “PokerGuru,” a testament to his role in shaping the next generation of talent.

Don’t be fooled by Agarwal’s calm exterior. He’s a rare breed, excelling in both the high-stakes world of live tournaments and the digital realm of online poker. Ranked #6 on India’s all-time money list, Agarwal’s accolades speak volumes. With a staggering 57 cashes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) – the most by any Indian and a record eight deep runs in the prestigious WSOP Main Event – tying him eighth overall globally – his experience and achievements place him firmly among the most decorated players in the country.

Santhosh Suvarna – Indian Poker Mogul

From humble beginnings in Bengaluru to wielding fortunes on the super-high-stakes circuit, Santhosh Suvarna’s ascension is a poker player’s dream come true. He’s become a fixture in the nosebleed cash game streams, where million-dollar pots dance like mere whispers. When he jets off to exotic destinations for the grandest guaranteed tournaments, he takes on the persona of a living legend.

In just sixteen months, this Dubai-based casino Mughul has accumulated a staggering $6.50 Million in tournament winnings, ranking him #2 on India`s all-time money list – a testament to his prowess and relentless drive. No wonder he commands a fan base as loyal as his poker face.

He walks amidst the poker elite, not just amongst them. Earning the respect of legends is a feat reserved for the truly extraordinary, and Suvarna wears this badge of honour with a gambler’s charm.

Kunal Patni – India’s Poker Ambassador

Kunal Patni’s poker journey is the stuff of legend. He ditched a successful banking career to take a gamble on the felt over a decade ago, and it paid off big time. Now, he’s one of India’s most beloved poker ambassadors, known for his playful banter (even with the trolls!) and his love for cats.

Patni’s a true live tournament champion. He connects with players from all walks of life, bringing a joyful, welcoming energy to every event. Beyond his impressive wins at the WSOP, World Poker Tour, and Asian Poker Tour, his sportsmanlike attitude and genuine support for fellow pros make him a standout.

Today, Patni uses his experience to champion the poker community in India as Executive Director of Natural8 India. He’s still got a seat at the tables now and then, but his focus is on building the game from the ground up. Patni’s a shining example, inspiring the next generation of Indian poker stars.

Amit Kaushik – The Mathematical Strategist

Amit Kaushik, a 28-year-old poker powerhouse from Kurukshetra, Haryana, has been storming the live and online poker scenes. With a sharp mind honed by his Applied Mathematics degree from IIT Roorkee, Kaushik took a bold leap in July 2020, ditching his corporate career to playing poker full-time. The risk paid off handsomely—he’s rapidly closing in on ₹7 Crores in online winnings and has conquered the Asian circuit with titles across WPT, APT, USOP, WPC, and even a DPT trophy in Goa.

Kaushik will be on fire in 2024. He stormed into the inaugural WPT Cambodia Championship, landing a fifth-place finish and a career-best $118,906 (₹98.88 Lakhs) payday. This unstoppable player is on a clear upward trajectory in the poker world.

Vishal Bajaj – The Indian GTO Machine

Vishal Bajaj, dubbed “The Indian GTO Machine,” is a powerhouse in India’s vibrant poker scene. Known for his strategic mastery in MTTs, he commands respect and strikes fear in his opponents. After ditching a traditional career for poker post-engineering, Bajaj’s high-stakes gamble has paid off handsomely.

2023 was his breakout year, landing him #3 on the online POY leaderboard. He amassed a staggering ₹4.30 Crores in winnings, with net profits nearing ₹1.91 Crores – a testament to his skill and adaptability. His 21 online flagship titles and counting speak volumes about his dominance. With lifetime earnings of ₹12.85 Crores and net profits of ₹5.43 Crores, he’s an undisputed force in Indian poker.

Vishal Bajaj is a beacon for aspiring poker pros, proving that passion, strategy, and perseverance are the recipe for success at the game’s highest levels.

Aayush Arya – The Engineer of Odds

Aayush Arya isn’t just an engineer-turned-poker-pro – he’s a rising force disrupting the Indian poker scene. This BITS Pilani grad rocketed to fame after we crowned him a “Young Gun” in August 2022. A WSOP bracelet win, and a string of high-profile titles make him one to watch.

His breakout moment came last September in the WSOP Online Event 22: COLOSSUS on Natural8 India. Arya outfoxed a massive 10,812-strong field, grabbing a jaw-dropping N8D 331,878 (~₹2.76 Crores) and proving he’s got the guts and the skill to compete at the highest levels.

2023 has been Arya’s victory lap. Titles from several online flagships show he’s not just a one-hit wonder – this guy’s here to stay.

But here’s what makes Arya’s story so compelling: he traded the stability of a software developer job for the thrill of the poker grind. After graduating in 2020, that 9-to-5 life just didn’t cut it. So, with his parents backing him, he made the ultimate gamble: in November last year, he went all-in on his poker dreams. And boy, did it pay off!

Aayush Arya isn’t just racking up wins; he’s blazing a trail for aspiring Indian poker pros. He proves that with talent, grit, and a willingness to take calculated risks, the poker world is your oyster.

Nikita Luther – India’s Trailblazing Poker Superwoman

From her groundbreaking 2018 WSOP Tag Team bracelet win – a first for Indian women – to her record-shattering 2023 WSOP Main Event run, Nikita Luther isn’t just playing poker; she’s rewriting the rules.

Her 2018 victory alongside Pantaleo was a thunderclap that put Indian poker on the map. Five years later, she stunned the world with the deepest WSOP Main Event run by an Indian woman, finishing 96th and pocketing a cool $78,900.

Luther’s dominance isn’t confined to the WSOP. Her recent APT Hanoi victory is proof that she’s claiming titles worldwide.

She’s not just winning; she’s inspiring. As an ambassador for powerhouses like Adda52, Thrill Poker, Spartan Poker, and now Natural8 India, she’s the face of the country’s poker boom.

GGPoker recognized her star power and invited her to their legendary “Poker After Dark” show, where she wowed audiences and opponents alike with her fearless play and undeniable charisma.

As India’s highest-ranked female player, Nikita Luther is more than a champion. She’s a trailblazer, obliterating gender barriers and inspiring a generation of women ready to dominate the felt.

Luther’s poker story is a whirlwind of grit, talent, and undeniable impact. As she continues to win, inspire, and break boundaries, one thing’s clear: this poker queen’s reign has only just begun.

Sreekanth Narayan – The 2023 Poker Maverick

Sreekanth Narayan was a relentless force in 2023, raking in a mind-blowing ₹4.46 Crores, securing the silver medal on the POY leaderboard, and pocketing an insane ₹2.62 Crores in profits – no one came close!

His year was a whirlwind of victories. Narayan launched his assault by obliterating the G.O.A.T on October 9. A heads-up deal saw him walk away with a staggering ₹1.50 Crores and an iron grip on the POY leaderboard. His relentless attacks saw him skillfully navigate the FTS G.O.D, securing third place and adding another ₹26.40 Lakhs to his treasury. Not content to rest, he stormed the FTS Tuesday Grand the next day, landing second place and another ₹11.03 Lakhs payday. And his Sunday Superstack reign was unchallenged! Three wins in 2023 netted him a sweet ₹23.65 Lakhs.

2023 was a mere warm-up. With an insatiable thirst for victory and a legacy of crushing the competition, Sreekanth Narayan is a force the poker world needs to watch.

Kartik Ved – The Pride of Indian Poker

Kartik Ved is a force to be reckoned with in the Indian poker scene. His meteoric rise from aspiring pro to poker powerhouse in the past decade has been a masterclass in skill and ambition. A visionary coach and stable leader, Ved’s relentless drive has helped shape some of India’s most brilliant poker minds.

But this poker maestro doesn’t just talk the talk – he walks it with a trail of trophies in his wake. As one of only eight Indians to secure a legendary WSOP bracelet, he’s earned his place among the game’s elite. Add a top 100 finish in the cutthroat WSOP Main Event, and Ved’s reputation as a poker heavyweight is beyond question.

Live or online, he’s a beast at the tables, with a jaw-dropping list of massive scores that prove he’s more than just hype – he’s the undisputed Pride of Indian Poker.

Gaurav Sood – India`s Poker Royalty

India’s poker royalty, Young Gun Gaurav Sood, isn’t content with just breaking records – he obliterates them. His third online POY title in 2023 cemented his legacy. But hold on – there’s more. Sood crushed online tournaments, amassing a staggering ₹5.04 Crores while topping the POY leaderboard for a relentless 26 weeks.

This poker maverick, once wielding dental drills, now wields calculated aggression at the tables. His journey fuels aspiring players across the country. His success spotlights the explosive growth of Indian poker and solidifies his place as the nation’s most dominant online MTT player. With an awe-inspiring resume, Gaurav Sood is gearing up for his WSOP debut this summer. Can he conquer the world stage? That’s the bet everyone’s placing. He’s the poster child of unwavering excellence, a beacon for those daring to chase extraordinary dreams.

Zarvan Tumboli – “Bawa Power” in Action

From Mumbai’s bustling streets to the world’s grandest poker rooms, Zarvan Tumboli brings a vibrant spark to the table. ‘Bawa Power,’ as we fondly call him, isn’t just a talented player—he’s a personality, a lover of life, and a testament to the joy poker can bring.

The past two years have been a whirlwind for Tumboli. He’s blazed a trail across the Asian circuit, painting the circuit red with his signature aggression and strategic brilliance. Each win – and there have been many – is a testament to his dedication and deep understanding of the game.

But for Tumboli, poker isn’t just about cards and chips. It’s an adventure, a tapestry woven with the thrill of the chase, the camaraderie of the community, and the intoxicating buzz of live play. He savours the cultural nuances of exotic destinations, the explosion of flavours on his plate, and the bonds forged around a shared passion. This infectious enthusiasm and appreciation for the game’s full spectrum make him a rare gem in the poker world.

Zarvan Tumboli is more than just a top player – he’s a reminder that poker is about more than just winning. It’s about the journey, the connections, and the sheer joy of riding the cards. And with his ‘Bawa Power’ lighting the way, he’s inspiring a generation to embrace the game with the same passion and zest for life.

Anirban D Das – WSOP Main Event Trailblazer

Hailing from Kolkata, Anirban D Das made a sensational debut at the 2023 WSOP Main Event. Armed with a coveted Las Vegas package from an online poker series, Das stormed poker’s grandest stage like a poker tornado, ready to deliver.

And deliver he did! In the biggest WSOP Main Event ever, Das not only held his own against the world’s best but absolutely crushed it, finishing a mind-blowing 16th out of 10,043 players! This electrifying performance earned him a jaw-dropping $430,200 (~₹3.53 Crores), etching his name in the record books with the deepest run by an Indian in the WSOP Main Event and the biggest score by an Indian in the 2023 WSOP! That’s not all – this achievement stands as the second-highest score ever by an Indian at the WSOP, just behind Abhinav Iyer‘s legendary 2019 bracelet win.

Das’s meteoric rise has not only solidified his place as a poker legend in India but has also sparked a frenzy of excitement among the nation’s rapidly growing poker community. He became one of the breakout stars of 2023, proving that Indian players can conquer the world stage and inspiring countless others to chase their poker dreams.

Voting is already underway, so don’t wait another second to rally behind your poker hero! Remember, every vote counts, and your voice could be the deciding factor in this epic showdown.

Keep following PokerGuru for more updates from the 2023 People’s Poker Championship!