Gagandeep Malik Clinches Victory at the Deltin Poker Tournament Grand’s ₹25K PLO 5 Bounty
The thrill of the Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT) Grand continues to ripple through the Indian poker scene. Day 5 of this inaugural series showcased not only fierce competition but also unexpected turns. Notably, Gagandeep Malik rose to prominence by winning the ₹25K DPT PLO 5 Bounty for ₹2.91 Lakhs, which included ₹90,000 in bounties, solidifying his status as one of the true champions in the realm of poker.
A Hard-Fought Victory
Malik’s journey through the tournament was both challenging and exhilarating. Despite facing a competitive field of 64 entrants, he emerged victorious, defeating runner-up Naveen Kumar, who walked away with ₹2.61 Lakhs (also including ₹90,000 in bounties). Their heads-up battle showcased Malik’s tactical prowess as he navigated through to the finish, taking home not just the prize money but also the coveted DPT Medal.
Malik’s Impressive Track Record
This victory marks Malik’s third DPT title, adding to a growing resume that began in 2016 when he first made headlines by winning the ₹60K High Roller at DPT November. His momentum continued to build as he captured the ₹15K Bounty title in July 2017. This latest triumph illustrates his continuous excellence in the live poker arena.
Gagandeep Malik
But Malik’s accolades aren’t confined to Indian tournaments alone. As a two-time World Poker Tour champion, Malik’s successes span international waters, including victories at the WPT National China in 2016 and last year’s WPT Prime India High Roller at the same venue where this tournament took place. Just recently, he also illustrated his skill on the South Asian circuit, securing his first USOP title at the 2024 U Series of Poker Hai Phong, further affirming that his recent PLO victory was no stroke of luck.
The Rising Star: Naveen Kumar
Runner-up Naveen Kumar also basked in the spotlight, well-known for his skills not just in live tournaments but also on online platforms such as Junglee Poker. Earlier this year, he celebrated a significant victory in the DPT May Micro Main Event. Although Kumar missed out on another title, his performance in the PLO 5 Bounty cemented his reputation as a formidable player in the poker community.
Naveen Kumar
A Day Filled with Drama
However, Day 5 of the DPT Grand wasn’t devoid of drama. The ₹20K DPT Ladies Event, scheduled for that evening, was abruptly canceled due to low participation—a disappointing turn for many eager participants. While there was no official statement from organizers, it underscored the unpredictable nature of live poker events.
The tumult continued during Day 1B of the ₹60K DPT Grand Championship, which began on Saturday. Tensions flared over a dispute involving discounted tickets for the championship, promised by a member of the Adda52 team. The absence of this individual led to a standoff that lasted over an hour, delaying gameplay as management sought a resolution. Despite these setbacks, Day 1B wrapped up with 17 players proceeding to the next stage, joining the 11 survivors from Day 1A.
Highlights of the PLO 5 Bounty
The ₹25K DPT PLO 5 Bounty was a significant event within the Grand. Initially planned as a two-day affair, the tournament concluded in a single day, reflecting the fierce competition. After intense action, the top nine finishers were guaranteed payouts, with each elimination promising a ₹10,000 bounty, intensifying the stakes throughout the rounds.
The final table was a spectacle, starting with an explosive double elimination. Player Udit Baid, who initially led the stack, experienced swift exits after a series of confrontations. In the end, Malik’s strategic gameplay and experience shone through, as he dispatched competitors rapidly leading up to the heads-up match against Kumar, where an ICM deal was struck before a hand was dealt.
Final Standings and Future Outlook
Malik’s final earnings for the day included ₹2.01 Lakhs and ₹90,000 from his bounties, while Kumar’s total reached ₹1.71 Lakhs, also including bounties. The tournament’s culmination not only highlighted the skill and competitive spirit of its players but also hinted at exciting developments as the DPT Grand continues its journey.
Final Table Results (Excluding Bounties)
- Gagandeep Malik – ₹2,00,547.60*
- Naveen Kumar – ₹1,71,482.40*
- Piyush Baid – ₹98,854
- Sumukh K – ₹78,984
- Milena Mezhuieva – ₹63,109
- Udit Baid – ₹50,424
- Karan Sitlani – ₹40,289
- Sumit Chandani – ₹28,955
- Sumit Mutha – ₹28,955
*denotes a heads-up deal
Conclusion
The DPT Grand has proven to be a thrilling spectacle fostering talent, drama, and nail-biting competition. As players like Gagandeep Malik and Naveen Kumar continue to demonstrate their remarkable skills, the future looks bright for Indian poker. Keep an eye out for more updates in the coming days, and follow the thrilling journey leading to the grand finale of this monumental event!
