Indian Poker Pros Shine at the APPT Manila Championship 2024
As the prestigious European Poker Tour (EPT) gathers India’s finest poker professionals in Cyprus, a dedicated group of talented Indian players, often referred to as "desi" sharks, is making significant waves at the PokerStars LIVE APPT Manila Championship 2024 in the vibrant city of Manila, Philippines. Within just three days, this team has achieved an impressive four cashes, including two final table appearances, culminating in a thrilling tournament victory.
Pranav Agrawal Claims First Live Tournament Title
Leading the charge is Pranav Agrawal, who has officially marked his name in the poker world by clinching his first-ever live tournament title in Event #13: NLH – 20/15/10. Agrawal showcased his exceptional skills in a nail-biting six-hour battle, ultimately defeating his competition to secure a prize of ₱207,200 (approximately ₹3.03 Lakhs). The victory came after an intense heads-up deal with Taiwan’s Po Hsun Liao, who also bagged a commendable ₱181,800.
Agrawal’s triumph is not just a personal milestone; it reflects his consistent form over recent months, including solid performances at the Poker Dream 11 Malaysia tournament, where he had final table finishes in multiple events. His victory in Manila has ignited excitement for his future in the competitive landscape of poker.
Siddharth Karia’s Impressive Run
While Agrawal basked in his victory, another talented Indian player, Siddharth Karia, also made headlines at the championship. Karia finished sixth in the highly competitive ₱10 Million GTD Okada Kick Off, securing ₱380,000 (approximately ₹5.55 Lakhs) – the largest cash prize earned by any Indian player in the series thus far. The event eventually saw Czardy Rivera emerge victorious, netting an astounding ₱1,870,000, but Karia held his own amidst fierce competition.
Chirag Shah’s Strong Performances
Another noteworthy performance came from Chirag Shah, who secured fourth place in Event #4: Knockout Turbo [₱5K Bounty], taking home ₱67,000 (around ₹98,000). Shah’s journey reinforced the strength of the Indian poker community as he also made significant progress in the Okada Kick Off, finishing 16th with a reward of ₱93,000 (approximately ₹1.36 Lakhs).
Neel Joshi Emerges as Chip Leader
Fellow PokerStars India ambassador Neel Joshi took a break from his dominant online play to test his skills against live competitors in Manila. His gamble paid off as he entered Day 2 of the ₱25 Million GTD APPT Open as the overall chip leader with a stack of 452,000. The impressive showing comes as Joshi continues to climb the ranks in the competitive 2024 Player of the Year (POY) race. Other Indian players like Somasekhar Sanampuri (90,000) and Siddharth Karia (57,000) also advanced to Day 2, showcasing the depth of talent within the Indian contingent.
A Promising Start for Indian Players
The Indian poker players’ performances at the APPT Manila Championship have set the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament. Their remarkable success echoes a growing trend of Indian players making significant impacts in international poker competitions. With the skill and talent displayed so far, the poker community is eagerly anticipating further accomplishments from these players.
Recap of Key Tournament Highlights
- Pranav Agrawal – Winner of Event #13: NLH – 20/15/10, earning ₱207,200 (~₹3.03 Lakhs).
- Siddharth Karia – Sixth place in ₱10 Million GTD Okada Kick Off, earning ₱380,000 (~₹5.55 Lakhs).
- Chirag Shah – Fourth place in Event #4: Knockout Turbo, earning ₱67,000 (~₹98,000).
- Neel Joshi – Chip leader heading into Day 2 of the ₱25 Million GTD APPT Open with 452,000 chips.
Conclusion
As poker enthusiasts around the globe tune in to the ongoing APPT Manila Championship, the early success of the Indian players reflects not only individual brilliance but also the potential of the Indian poker circuit to compete on international platforms. With many more events ahead, it remains to be seen how many more accolades this talented group can collect in the days to come. Stay tuned for further updates as this exciting tournament unfolds!
