Indian Poker Pros Make a Splash at the APPT Manila Championship 2024

While India’s elite poker players were engaged in fierce competition at the European Poker Tour (EPT) in Cyprus, another talented group of "desi" poker sharks has taken center stage at the PokerStars LIVE APPT Manila Championship 2024 in the luxurious Okada Manila. Over just three action-packed days, they have made headlines with significant cashes, impressive final table appearances, and one outstanding victory.

A Stellar Performance by Pranav Agrawal

Leading the charge for the Indian contingent is the rising star Pranav Agrawal, who recently clinched his maiden live tournament title in Event #13: NLH – 20/15/10. This thrilling tournament saw a field of 32 entries, and Agrawal’s exceptional gameplay allowed him to outlast his opponents and secure ₱207,200 (approximately ₹3.03 Lakhs) after a heads-up deal with Taiwan’s Po Hsun Liao, who took home ₱181,800 as the runner-up.

Agrawal’s victory was particularly sweet as it marked a significant milestone in his poker journey. His recent hot streak included notable performances at the Poker Dream 11 Malaysia, where he achieved impressive final table finishes.

Siddharth Karia Shines Bright

While Agrawal celebrated his achievement, fellow PokerStars India ambassador Siddharth Karia also made waves in the tournament series. Karia finished sixth in the ₱10 Million GTD Okada Kick Off, securing a commendable ₱380,000 (~₹5.55 Lakhs) – the highest score for an Indian in this series so far. The event ultimately crowned Czardy Rivera as the victor, with Rivera taking home an impressive ₱1,870,000 after a lengthy Day 2 battle.

Chirag Shah’s Impressive Showing

Chirag Shah also showcased his poker prowess by finishing fourth in Event #4: Knockout Turbo [₱5K Bounty], earning ₱67,000 (~₹98,000). The event saw Horace Leung claim victory after a heads-up deal, walking away with ₱170,500. Shah continued to build on his momentum by finishing 16th in the Okada Kickoff, adding ₱93,000 (~₹1.36 Lakhs) to his earnings.

Neel Joshi Takes the Lead

Another PokerStars India ambassador, Neel Joshi, who has been making a name for himself in the online circuit, decided to take a break and compete in Manila. His efforts are already paying off as he bagged an impressive stack of 452,000 chips on Flight A of the ₱25 Million GTD APPT Open, positioning himself as the overall chip leader heading into Day 2. Other Indian contenders such as Somasekhar Sanampuri (90,000) and Siddharth Karia (57,000) also qualified for Day 2, adding to the anticipation surrounding the Indian players’ performance.

Highlights of the APPT Manila Championship

The commencement of the APPT Manila Championship has been electrifying, with Indians leading the way in various events. Here’s a quick recap of some of the remarkable performances:

• Pranav Agrawal’s Victory: In just a six-hour thrilling matchup, Agrawal showcased his skills by winning Event #13, marking his first live title.
• Siddharth Karia’s Deep Run: Making it to the top six in the grand Okada Kickoff, Karia continues his streak of successful performances across Asian poker circuits.
• Chirag Shah’s Consistent Shows: With cashes in multiple events, Shah’s ability to navigate challenging formats demonstrates his skill and experience.

Final Thoughts

The Indian contingent’s strong start at the APPT Manila Championship has captivated fans and enthusiasts alike. With several events still to go, we eagerly anticipate the outcomes as these players continue their impressive runs. As they compete against top international players, the resilience and skill demonstrated by Agrawal, Karia, Shah, Joshi, and others signify a promising future for Indian poker on the global stage.

Stay tuned for more updates and results as the APPT Manila Championship 2024 unfolds, showcasing the best in the world of poker!