Young Gun of Poker – Hardik Nair

We’re thrilled to be able to canvass the domestic poker scene to uncover the next generation of stars. Reigniting our Young Gun series, we proudly unveil the latest poker prodigy, Hardik Nair!

Hailing from the bustling city of Thane, Hardik Nair is a name that’s quickly gaining traction in the online poker arena. At just 25, Nair has already amassed a remarkable ₹3.09 Crores in online winnings and boasts over ₹89 Lakhs in profits. The year 2024 has been particularly fruitful for him, with earnings already surpassing ₹84 Lakhs.

But Nair’s journey to poker stardom is anything but ordinary. It began in late 2018 while he was still pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies from FinPlan College and occasionally helping in his family’s real estate business. With a spark of curiosity about online income, Nair came across a blog about Dan Bilzerian‘s lavish lifestyle! Armed with a poker set, he battled family members in friendly games, all while learning the ropes of this complex game.

Nair’s poker odyssey took a dramatic turn just before the COVID lockdown. With limited knowledge but boundless enthusiasm, he dove into online poker platforms like Adda52, starting with freerolls. A generous ₹4 Lakhs for expenses from his supportive parents fueled his initial success, but a devastating downswing wiped out his bankroll, leaving him with nothing to cover rent and basic expenses.

Yet, the lockdown became a blessing in disguise. Financial pressures eased, allowing Nair to give poker another shot – this time armed with a fierce determination to learn and grow. Another bankroll surge arrived, followed by another downswing…yet his confidence soared. He put in gruelling 14-hour days at the tables, steadily rebuilding a healthy bankroll from the smaller stakes. By 2021, he was a full-time poker pro!

Nair’s commitment led him to join a cash game stable in 2022, where he gained insights from Aryan Chauhan and Sharad Rao. But, soon, the siren song of MTTs beckoned. He tirelessly reached out to stables seeking backing, only to be turned down due to his cash game focus…until seasoned pro Abhishek Rathod recognized his potential and guided him towards tournament success.

Then came the game-changer. Three months into Rathod’s stable, poker legend Aditya Agarwal joined as a coach! Nair’s excitement was palpable – he threw a party and boldly declared to his parents that stardom was within reach. After all, Agarwal’s track record of propelling players to greatness was undeniable.

Under Agarwal’s guidance, Nair’s skills have exploded. His 2024 tally boasts a staggering 12 titles already. While he still works on refining his routine, his work ethic and ambition shine brightly, showcasing a true poker champion in the making.

From Thane to Poker Obsession: Nair’s Unexpected Journey

In the bustling heart of Thane, Nair’s quest for online riches took an unexpected turn. Drawn in by the lavish lifestyle of poker icon Dan Bilzerian, Nair’s curiosity led him to invest a modest ₹700 in a poker set. Little did he know, this casual purchase would spark a fiery passion, engulfing him and his family in a whirlwind that would forever change their lives.

“It was late 2018, and I was exploring ways to make money online,” Nair reminisces. Trading and stock market options were the buzzwords. Then, I stumbled upon poker. I read a blog by Dan Bilzerian about how he built his fortune through poker, and I was hooked. I ordered a poker set online and started playing at home for fun, with no clue about the rules.”

Nair’s poker nights soon became a family affair, with his younger brother and parents joining in on the action. “We had no idea what we were doing at first,” Nair laughs. “We didn’t even know the proper positions or blinds. But it was a blast!”

At the time, Nair was juggling his bachelor’s degree and his family business, but he yearned for something more. “I wanted to make money,” Nair admits. “And poker, with its potential for big wins, was irresistible. While others may be drawn to the game for different reasons, for me, it was all about the money. There’s serious cash to be made in poker!”

Thus began Nair’s whirlwind journey from a curious newcomer to a rising star in the poker world.

From Ruin to Riches: Nair’s Rollercoaster Ride Through 2020-2022

2020 was a trial by fire for Nair as he dove headfirst into the world of online poker. Immersed in marathon 14-hour sessions, he was consumed by the virtual felt, his days and nights blurring together. This intense period became a crucible, where his passion for the game was forged through countless wins, losses, and invaluable lessons.

“From 2020 to 2022, my routine was chaotic,” Nair admits. “I was playing for 14 hours every day. It all started just before the COVID pandemic hit. I had dabbled in online poker and platforms like Adda52, but I wasn’t fully versed in the rules yet.”

Then, disaster struck. Fueled by overconfidence, Nair recklessly gambled away ₹4 Lakhs of his family’s money. His poker dreams imploded overnight, leaving him financially devastated and burdened by a crushing secret.

“I had around ₹4 Lakhs in my account, which wasn’t originally my money. Initially, I deposited ₹1 Lakh and won a hand, which made me feel like I was on a winning streak. Over the next few days, I kept withdrawing and depositing money, thinking I was making a profit. But within 2-3 days, I had lost the entire ₹4 Lakhs—completely wiped out. This happened just before the COVID lockdown began, and I was unaware it was coming. That money was meant for my rent, expenses, and survival, provided by my parents to support me for a year or two. I ended up losing it all in a single day. When the lockdown started, I had no money for rent. It was a dire situation, and I couldn’t bring myself to tell my parents because it was their money that I had lost.”

But Nair refused to surrender to despair. He sought refuge in the wisdom of experienced players and drew inspiration from their tales of overcoming adversity. With newfound resolve, he embarked on a transformative journey of self-improvement, honing his poker skills and expanding his knowledge of the game.

With just ₹3K left, Nair miraculously rebuilt his bankroll to ₹2.30 Lakhs. However, his impulsive nature got the better of him, and he lost it all in a single high-stakes game. This cycle of ups and downs continued for months, leaving Nair emotionally and financially drained.

“During the lockdown, we got a temporary reprieve on rent payments for 2-3 months, which gave me some breathing room. During this time, I began reading more about poker and discovered that many top players, including those from India, have faced bankruptcy at some point in their careers. This insight inspired me, and I told myself it was okay—I could bounce back. I started studying poker more seriously. With ₹3K left in my account, I managed to turn it into ₹230K. Feeling confident, I then entered a ₹100K-₹200K game but lost it all in a single buy-in. This cycle continued throughout the first month of the lockdown until I realized I needed to stop.”

As months turned into a year, Nair’s resilience became his greatest asset. Armed with a meagre ₹1,600 from a friend, he clawed his way back from the brink of financial ruin, grinding through small-stakes games and tournaments. By the end of 2021, he had not only rebuilt his bankroll but amassed a significant fortune.

“You can make consistent money in poker if you have a sufficient number of buy-ins for your chosen limit. Back then, poker was booming in India, and the competition was relatively easy. I needed money and sought help from a friend, but he declined. Fortunately, another school friend lent me ₹1,600, which marked the real beginning of my poker journey. I started with ₹1-₹2 games and ₹200 buy-ins, playing tournaments at night and dedicating 14 hours a day to poker.”

“By December, I had accumulated around ₹500K over 6-7 months, playing mostly small stakes and cash games. Each month, I managed to save ₹15K after accommodating for household expenses. Initially, my knowledge was limited to the basics, such as understanding positions like in-position and out-position. I didn’t even know the term ‘cut-off’ when I lost ₹400K, and my grasp of the rules was minimal at best. However, I gradually learned a lot more. I invested in online courses, which significantly improved my understanding of the game. By December, I had built a decent bankroll.”

The Turning Point: From Cash Game Grind to MTT Aspirations

By 2021, Nair had fully embraced the life of a professional poker player. He dedicated himself to the virtual felt, isolating himself from friends and family to pursue his poker dreams. His days dissolved into a relentless cycle of 14-hour cash game sessions, capitalizing on the soft fields and the ongoing poker boom during the lockdown.

“In 2021, I focused on playing cash games full-time, leveraging all the available online content. My routine was unstructured—I’d wake up and play poker for 14 hours straight. The fields were soft, and the poker boom was in full swing, making it profitable to play small stakes, not even mid-stakes. By the end of the year, I had accumulated a million rupees, which was a decent amount, enough to cover household expenses, provided I kept my spending low.”

Nair’s unwavering focus paid off, and by the end of 2021, he had built a handsome bankroll. Yet, the sweet taste of success was tinged with a bitter aftertaste. The demands of his flourishing poker career had taken a toll on his relationships and personal life. It was a stark reminder that true fulfilment lies not just in financial gain but in achieving a harmonious balance between ambition and well-being.

In 2022, seeking a change of pace and a sense of community, Nair joined a cash game stable, studying under the guidance of Aryan Chauhan and Sharad Rao, absorbing their knowledge and expertise. Yet, the allure of MTTs continued to beckon.

“However, my social circle, including friends and family, diminished because I was determined to achieve something significant in poker. My routine was essentially to wake up and play continuously. In 2022, I joined a stable for cash games, working with Deadmine and Aryan Chauhan for about six months, and had a great experience with Sharad (Rao).”

Inspired by the success stories of MTT specialists like Gaurav Sood, Nair yearned for the prestige and recognition that came with conquering large-field tournaments. Despite his bankroll concerns, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his destiny lay in the MTT arena.

Undeterred by multiple rejections from local and international stables, Nair reached a pivotal moment in his career when he connected with seasoned pro Abhishek Rathod. Sharing his cash game results and expressing his desire to transition to MTTs, Nair sought Rathod’s mentorship and guidance. This encounter would prove to be a turning point in Nair’s poker journey.

“Despite this, I was drawn to the glory of MTTs, inspired by names like Gaurav Sood. I later learned that cashes and profit are distinct, but the allure of MTT glory was strong. However, I became very cautious with my bankroll, not wanting to risk losing money again in poker. I didn’t want to venture into MTTs alone, so I applied to 15 or 16 stables across India and internationally, showcasing my cash game results and seeking MTT staking.”

“Although I didn’t get immediate results, there were two significant turning points in my career. The first was connecting with Rathore Sir (Abhishek Rathod). I reached out to him online, shared my cash game results, and expressed my honour at the possibility of being staked by him.”

A Game-Changing Moment: The Aditya Agarwal Effect

A pivotal moment in Nair’s poker journey came three months after joining Rathod’s stable when poker legend Aditya Agarwal took him under his wing. Overjoyed, Nair celebrated with his family, convinced that Agarwal’s mentorship would catapult him to poker stardom.

“The most significant turning point came about three months later when Adi Sir (Aditya Agarwal), a legend in the field, joined as our coach. I was so thrilled that I threw a party at home and finally told my parents about my poker journey. I proudly informed them that I had made significant progress because many of today’s top Indian poker players have been coached by Adi at some point in their careers. This milestone in early 2023 marked the biggest turning point in my career.”

Agarwal’s coaching has undoubtedly elevated Nair’s game, leading to an impressive 12 titles in 2024 alone. Though he’s still working on establishing a consistent routine, Nair’s dedication and drive are unmistakable hallmarks of a promising poker talent.

“This year, after starting coaching with Adi, I developed a more structured routine. Before this, I lacked the professionalism needed to excel—I wasn’t aware of the importance of mindset, meditation, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. Although I still struggle with maintaining a fixed routine, I now understand the importance of these elements and am committed to improving in these areas.”

Bankroll Wisdom: Nair’s Mantra For Financial Success

Having weathered multiple downswings early in his career, Nair is a staunch advocate of bankroll management, a concept he understands intimately.

“Bankroll management is crucial. You need to keep your finances in check. Some players win big in a tournament and then splurge on shopping or travel. However, it’s important to be practical and consider your long-term financial strategy, including how much you’ll make and need to invest. I’m very disciplined with my investments; no matter how much I earn from poker, I ensure it’s invested wisely. Poker isn’t just about playing the game—you need to invest and strategically manage your winnings. That’s key to sustaining success.”

Nair’s Pro-Tip For Newbies: Start Small, Dream Big

For those just dipping their toes into the poker world, Nair has some sage advice: begin your journey with cash games and freerolls. Drawing from his own experience, he emphasizes that jumping straight into MTTs against seasoned players is challenging, making it nearly impossible to secure a win or even deep runs consistently initially.

“So, it all depends on how you perceive poker. My suggestion is to start with small-stakes cash games. Everyone wants to jump to big tables, but it’s essential to start with freerolls and not focus on the money initially. Many are attracted to the allure of money, and I admit I am too, but it’s crucial to understand that players at higher stakes have a lot of experience. You can’t just sit down and expect to beat them easily; it’s nearly impossible.

I recommend new players start with cash games and then transition to MTTs, especially if they are young. A seasoned player once told me that young players should play MTTs early in their careers because these tournaments require a lot of energy—you have to stay focused for up to eight hours a day. Cash games offer more flexibility; you can play for an hour and then leave. However, MTTs demand significant physical stamina to sit and concentrate for extended periods.

So, if you’re in your mid-20s, start with cash games to build your focus and understanding of the game, then transition to MTTs. After gaining some experience in MTTs, you can switch back to cash games if you prefer.”

A Champion in the Making

Hardik Nair’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams. With each challenge he faced, Nair emerged stronger and more determined. As he continues to refine his skills and expand his horizons, it’s clear that this Young Gun is poised to leave an enduring mark on the poker landscape.

Nair`s story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who aspire to follow in his footsteps. With hard work, dedication, and a touch of good fortune, anyone can rise from humble beginnings to achieve extraordinary success.

So, keep your eyes peeled for this Young Gun, who is sure to blaze a trail of poker glory for years to come!