Zarvan Tumboli Announced As PokerBaazi Team Pro: India’s Poker Sultan’s New Alliance with PokerBaazi

India’s vibrant poker arena greeted the new year with a thunderous announcement on January 1, 2025: Mumbai’s high-stakes sensation, Zarvan Tumboli (cover image), joined PokerBaazi as the newest Team Pro. For an industry that adores drama and dares, few names command as much admiration as Tumboli—aptly hailed as “India’s Poker Sultan.” With this move, Tumboli begins a spirited new chapter, ready to bridge the gap between live and online poker, all while chasing the coveted PokerBaazi Player of the Year (POY) 2025 title.

A Milestone in the Making

“Joining PokerBaazi as a Team Pro at this stage of my poker career is both an honor and a pivotal milestone. It signifies recognition of my journey, not just as a player but as someone who is passionate about promoting poker as a skill-based sport. PokerBaazi is undoubtedly India’s leading poker platform. A brand that aligns with my vision of growing the game responsibly in India and elevating its perception in the community.”

Those are the words of Tumboli, echoing his deep-seated pride and zeal. Poker has been his calling for over a decade, and each shuffle of the deck has led him closer to this grand moment. What began as a casual pastime soon transformed into a relentless pursuit of championships and personal growth.

“The road was never easy,” he reflects, recalling countless hours spent mastering hands, reading opponents, and honing strategies. Encouraged by his wife, Shanaya, Tumboli jumped wholeheartedly into the professional realm—a leap that would shape not only his career but also his way of life. Early breakthroughs, like winning the IPC 10k Kickoff event in 2015, cemented his confidence. And through all the twists of fortune and challenges, Tumboli always found steadfast support from his family, especially when balancing the demands of a thriving poker career with personal responsibilities.

“This milestone of joining PokerBaazi as a Team Pro feels like a culmination of all those experiences. It’s a recognition of the dedication, hard work, and love I’ve poured into the game. More importantly, it feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” he says.

A Platform for Vision and Values

For Tumboli, this new role meshes perfectly with his broader aspirations—both on and off the tables. “I’ve always wanted to use a platform to promote poker as a game of skill, strategy, and mental acuity. This is the best I can get to. This role gives me the opportunity to represent the game responsibly, inspire new players, and advocate for the growth of poker in India—a vision I’ve held since I first started playing.”

Beyond the glitz and glamour, he sees an avenue for real impact: “It’s a chance to show aspiring players that success in poker comes from hard work, discipline, and a mindset of continuous learning. Moreover, as someone who cherishes family, I hope to serve as an example that a balance between professional ambition and personal life is achievable, even in a high-pressure career like poker. Ultimately, this role isn’t just about personal achievements, it’s about creating a legacy—one where poker in India reaches its rightful place as a respected and celebrated sport.”

Why PokerBaazi?

In Tumboli’s view, PokerBaazi has set itself apart through a steadfast commitment to innovation, fairness, and responsible gaming. “PokerBaazi stands out as a platform because of its unwavering commitment to elevating the poker experience in India. From offering a user-friendly interface to hosting some of the most prestigious and biggest guarantee tournaments, it has consistently set benchmarks for innovation, fairness, and fostering a sense of community. The platform’s emphasis on responsible gaming, transparency, and nurturing emerging talent resonates deeply with me as a professional player.”

There’s palpable excitement in Tumboli’s voice when he says, “What excites me most about representing PokerBaazi is the opportunity to be part of a brand that shares my passion for growing poker in India. Their initiatives to create awareness about the game and their efforts to make poker accessible to players from all walks of life align perfectly with my personal aspirations. I’m thrilled to represent a platform that also invests in building a vibrant and inclusive poker ecosystem. Being part of this journey feels like more than just a partnership—it’s a chance to contribute to a movement that’s transforming poker in India, and that’s incredibly exciting to me.”

From Live Beast to Online Contender

A renowned titan in live tournaments, Tumboli acknowledges the importance of the digital realm: “Absolutely! It opens up exciting opportunities for me to engage in online poker more frequently. While my roots and strengths are in live poker, I recognize the growing importance and appeal of the online platform, especially in today’s gaming landscape.”

He foresees a natural evolution in his game—one that will see him embracing the online format alongside his trademark live appearances. “PokerBaazi’s robust online infrastructure and commitment to providing a high-quality poker experience make it an ideal environment for players to hone their skills, participate in thrilling tournaments, and connect with a broader community. I’m eager to immerse myself in the online scene, not only to enhance my own gameplay but also to share insights and strategies with fellow players.”

So, watch for his username lighting up the tables on PokerBaazi. “You can definitely expect to see me participating in online tournaments, cash games, and various events hosted by PokerBaazi. I’m excited to bridge my live poker experience with the online realm. Ultimately, I see this as a chance to evolve as a player and contribute to the vibrant online poker community.”

Teaming Up for Impact

Tumboli is equally thrilled about his collaborations with Laksh Pal Singh and Abhishek Goindi, both pivotal figures on the PokerBaazi Pro Team. “To start with, I am super excited to work with these two. I have immense respect for them both not only as poker players but in general. We are great friends and share a healthy rapport. As part of the PokerBaazi Pro Team alongside Laksh Pal Singh and Abhishek Goindi, I envision a dynamic collaboration that leverages our diverse expertise to enhance the poker community through events like the National Poker Series (NPS) and various PokerBaazi properties The Circuit. By creating engaging content, streams, and promotions, we can inspire players of all levels and elevate the visibility. Our collective efforts will foster a sense of camaraderie, mentorship, and support within the community, ultimately contributing to the growth and recognition of poker as a respected sport in India. Together, we aim to enhance player engagement and create a lasting impact on the poker landscape.”

Ascending the Poker Summit

After a blazing 2024, few can dispute Tumboli’s credentials. He conquered the Poker Dream 8 Malaysia Event #22: MYR 1,500 NLH in January, followed it with a jaw-dropping victory in at the Main Event at the same stop in February, and sprinkled in final-table finishes at APT Taipei and Poker Dream 11 Malaysia. Not content with just individual accolades, Tumboli led the Bengaluru Allstars at the Pocket52 Poker Sports League (PSL) Season 6 as captain, guiding them to a commendable third-place finish.

This stretch of triumph added another feather to his cap—being crowned “Indian Poker Sultan.” He also claimed PokerGuru’s 2023 People’s Poker Champion title. “This title isn’t just mine—it belongs to all of us passionate about poker. Together, we’re breaking stereotypes and growing the game!” Tumboli remarks, in a nod to his ever-growing legion of fans.

The Journey So Far

Long before this milestone with PokerBaazi, Tumboli proved his mettle on the Asian circuits. In 2022 alone, he won the Baazi Poker Tour HighRoller in March, the WPT Prime Vietnam Main Event in May, and stacked final tables and titles in a flurry of tournaments—VSOP, APT Hanoi, WPT Prime Cambodia, APPT Cambodia, APT Vietnam, and WPT Prime India.

In July 2022, he became a brand ambassador for Spartan Poker, a tenure marked by 18 final table finishes and five title wins. His partnership with Spartan Poker ended on December 20, 2023, leaving behind an indelible mark on the brand and the Indian poker community.

Building a Future for Indian Poker

Reflecting on the broader landscape, Tumboli believes the game is on the verge of a remarkable surge: “The growth of poker in India has been remarkable over the past few years, driven by increasing interest in the game, the rise of online platforms, and a growing recognition of poker as a legitimate skill-based sport. More players are discovering poker through various channels, including social media, tournaments, and content created by professionals. This surge in popularity is not only expanding the player base but also attracting attention from sponsors, investors, and media, which further fuels the growth of the industry.”

He sees PokerBaazi at the forefront of this revolution, emphasizing its continuing efforts to strengthen tournaments—like the National Poker Series—and foster a robust ecosystem. “PokerBaazi has played a significant role in this evolution by providing a platform that caters to both recreational and serious players. Its commitment to creating high-quality tournament series’s, such as the National Poker Series, WPT Online series elevate the standards and overall gaming experience. Moreover, as the platform continues to innovate and expand, it will undoubtedly shape the future of poker in India by setting standards for player engagement, tournament quality, and community building.”

And his ambitions don’t stop at national boundaries: “My vision for Indian poker players on the global stage is to see them compete successfully in international tournaments and be recognized for their skills and talent. I believe that with the right support and exposure, Indian players can excel and make their mark globally. As a Team Pro, my role contributes to achieving this vision by serving as a bridge between aspiring players and the larger poker community. By sharing my experiences especially of the Live Asian circuits, and promoting the game through PokerBaazi, I hope to inspire players to pursue their dreams and elevate Indian poker on the world stage. Through collective efforts, we can nurture talent and create a strong presence for Indian players in the global poker arena.”

2025 and Beyond: Chasing the POY Crown

If there’s a single crusade that encapsulates Tumboli’s unwavering spirit, it’s the newly launched PokerBaazi POY 2025 race. With a ₹5 Crore leaderboard war chest, players across India will vie for glory, recognition, and a life-changing ₹1 Crore prize for the champion. For Tumboli, it’s yet another stage to shine—a chance to complement his live achievements with a fierce online grind.

Although travel and cultural exploration remain a deep love for this live aficionado, he’s prepared to don the online warrior’s hat, fueling the chase for the PokerBaazi Player of the Year. With every shuffle and deal, Tumboli continues to show that poker is about more than just winning. “It’s about the journey, the connections, and the sheer joy of riding the cards,” he believes—and that ethos shines through in everything he does.

With his trademark “Bawa Power” lighting the way, Zarvan Tumboli is poised to keep inspiring poker hopefuls to take a seat and play their hearts out—online or live, high-stakes or grassroots home games. The story of India’s Poker Sultan rolls on, fueled by ambition, passion, and a belief that this game, at its best, is a celebration shared by everyone around the table. And now, as a Team Pro for PokerBaazi, he’s ready to reach new heights and bring the entire community along for the ride.