National Poker Champion Showdown: Goa Awaits India’s First Poker King

The ultimate poker battle is coming to Goa! The National Poker Champion Showdown, scheduled for April 13-17, 2025, at the Novotel Resort & Spa, promises to be the most thrilling event in Indian poker history. After a record-breaking National Poker Series India (NPSI) 2025, which shattered expectations with over ₹108 Crores in prizes and more than 600,000 entries, it’s now time to crown the first-ever National Poker Champion of India.

A Record-Breaking Journey to the Final Showdown

The NPSI 2025 was nothing short of spectacular. PokerBaazi hosted this monumental event, which featured over 2.5 Crore hands played and provided players with a seamless experience. With ₹100 Crores guaranteed in prizes, players across India competed fiercely for not only personal victories but also state-based glory. The unique leaderboard format added an extra layer of excitement, as players aimed to represent their states in the grand finale.

From this incredible competition, 12 champions have emerged, each from a different state, ready to compete for a ₹1 Crore top prize and the title of National Poker Champion.

Meet the Finalists: Poker Heroes from Every Corner of India

Representing their home states with pride, the 12 finalists are some of the fiercest poker players in the country:

• Bhanu Prakash KC (Karnataka) – The leaderboard king
  
• Mohit Bohra (Gujarat) – Rising star of the poker world
  
• Saahib Bawa (Delhi) – The double gold dynamo
  
• Sreekanth Narayan (Kerala) – The high-stakes hitman
  
• Zarvan Tumboli (Maharashtra) – The Sultan of Indian Poker
  
• Snehil Aggarwal (Haryana) – Versatile and unpredictable
  
• Vikhyat Ahlawat (Uttar Pradesh) – The silent shark
  
• Anish Vijayvergia (Rajasthan) – Big game hunter
  
• Aditya Sushant (Tamil Nadu) – The seasoned trailblazer
  
• Ankit Wadhawan (Chandigarh) – Precision at its finest
  
• Goonjan Mall (West Bengal) – The felt philosopher
  
• Wilson Yomso (Arunachal Pradesh) – The vibrant warrior
  

Each of these players has fought their way through the grueling NPSI tournament, securing their place in this prestigious event.

State Pride Meets Poker Glory

This showdown is not just about individual victories; it’s about state pride. The National Poker Champion will take home ₹1 Crore in prize money, but that’s not all. The winner will also unlock a ₹1 Crore freeroll tournament for players from their home state. This gives each finalist the weight of their state’s poker community on their shoulders, making this battle even more intense.

The Showdown: Five Days of Intense Action

Here’s a quick look at the exciting structure of the National Poker Champion Showdown:

Day 1 (April 13): The Opening Clash

The competition begins with two 6-Max No-Limit Hold’em events. Players start with 50,000 chips and 20-minute blind levels, with points awarded based on finishing positions. The battle is about finding a rhythm and avoiding an early exit.

Day 2 (April 14): Bounty Fever

The action heats up with two Bounty NLHE events. Knock out opponents to earn extra leaderboard points, adding a layer of strategy and excitement to the competition.

Day 3 (April 15): Top vs. Bottom

Day 3 features a dramatic showdown between the top players and those fighting to stay in the race. The leaderboard can shift drastically, making this a critical day for all involved.

Day 4 (April 16): Strategy Day

This is a rest day for the players to recharge and strategize. The documentary crew will capture the behind-the-scenes moments as players prepare for the final day.

Day 5 (April 17): The Grand Finale

The top six players from the leaderboard face off in a high-stakes NLHE battle. With 100,000 chips and 25-minute blinds, every move counts. The top players’ leaderboard positions give them significant advantages, but only one will walk away as India’s first National Poker Champion.

History in the Making: The Final Deal

After more than 600,000 entries, the National Poker Series India 2025 has led us to this defining moment. The 12 finalists will face off in what promises to be the most dramatic poker showdown India has ever seen. With massive prizes, state pride, and personal glory on the line, the competition will be fierce.

As the final cards are dealt in Goa, one player will rise above the rest and become the National Poker Champion, making history and setting a new standard for Indian poker.