Huge congratulations to Ajay Abrol for his first live title and Arun Godiyal for his second spadie win! 👏🏽🇮🇳🎉
The Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) 2025 season has kicked off in style in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Hosted at the luxurious NagaWorld Integrated Resort, the tournament has already set the stage for what promises to be a record-breaking event. With a massive $1.50 million guaranteed across 68 tournaments, including satellites, the action is heating up. And for the first time, the APPT Main Event boasts a $1 million guarantee, attracting global attention.
India Dominates Early Stages: 16 Cashes and Two Titles Already
In just four days, Team India has made a massive impact at APPT Cambodia. Indian players have already accumulated 16 cashes, 11 final tables, two runner-up finishes, and claimed two prestigious PokerStars spadies (trophies). After a stellar run at APT Taipei, India is proving that their success wasn’t a one-time fluke. The country’s poker players are on fire!
Ajay Abrol: Historic First Live Title and a Family Showdown
Leading the charge for India is Ajay Abrol. The Singapore-based player has had an incredible start to the series. He clinched his first-ever live tournament win at Event #12: $300 Shot Clock. Ajay triumphed in a thrilling heads-up match against his wife, Anju Abrol, securing the title and $5,222 (~₹4.40 Lakhs). This victory was special, marking a historic moment in poker as the couple faced off for the title.
Ajay’s success didn’t stop there. He followed up with a second-place finish in Event #22: $250 6-Handed Turbo, adding $3,673 (₹3.10 Lakhs) to his winnings. He also secured a fifth-place finish in Event #5: $300 SuperStack, earning an additional $2,320 (₹1.96 Lakhs). In total, Ajay has earned $11,215 (~₹9.45 Lakhs) in just a few days.
Ajay Abrol with his wife Anju Abrol
Anju Abrol: A Close Call for a Second Spadie
Anju Abrol, a seasoned poker player and former APPT Macau 2014 side-event champion, came very close to winning her third live title. She finished as the runner-up in Event #12: $300 Shot Clock, losing to her husband in a nail-biting heads-up. Despite the loss, Anju also secured a seventh-place finish in Event #22: $250 6-Handed Turbo, adding $1,033 (~₹87,064) to her earnings.
With total winnings of $4,429 (~₹3.73 Lakhs) at this festival, Anju’s career earnings have surpassed ₹1.23 Crores, solidifying her position as one of India’s top poker pros.
Arun Godiyal
Arun Godiyal: From Rookie to Double Spadie Champion in Six Months
Another name making waves is Arun Godiyal. In just six months, Arun has transformed from a poker rookie to a two-time spadie champion. After claiming his first spadie last year at APPT Cambodia 2024, Arun continued his hot streak by winning Event #3: $300 Knockout Turbo. He outlasted a tough field of 55 players, earning $2,789 (~₹2.35 Lakhs).
Arun Godiyal
Arun’s run didn’t end there. He also finished third in Event #14: $300 Win The Button – Hyper Turbo, earning $1,248 (₹1.05 Lakhs). His total earnings from this series stand at $4,037 (₹3.40 Lakhs), and his career earnings have already reached ₹9.68 Lakhs.
Team India’s Growing Presence at APPT
In addition to Ajay, Anju, and Arun, several other Indian players have been making a mark. Avneesh Munjal, Amit Kaushik, Romit Advani, and Gagandeep Singh Malik are among the top performers, securing cashes in various events. With the APPT Main Event still to come, Team India’s momentum is undeniable.
Looking Ahead: APPT Cambodia’s Biggest Tournaments Are Yet to Come
With the series only halfway through, the biggest tournaments, including the $1 Million GTD Main Event, are still ahead. If the early results are anything to go by, Team India is poised for a record-breaking performance. Their strong start signals that 2025 could be the best-ever APPT Cambodia for Indian players.
For the latest updates and live action from the APPT Cambodia 2025, follow Pokerbol on social media. Stay tuned for exclusive insights, results, and poker news!
FAQs
- What is the prize pool for APPT Cambodia 2025?
The prize pool for APPT Cambodia 2025 is a massive $1.50 million, spanning across 68 tournaments, including satellites.
- Which Indian player won their first live tournament title?
Ajay Abrol won his first live tournament title at Event #12: $300 Shot Clock, defeating his wife, Anju Abrol, heads-up.
- Who are the top Indian players at APPT Cambodia 2025?
Ajay Abrol, Anju Abrol, and Arun Godiyal have been standout performers, with multiple final table appearances and spadie wins.
- When does the APPT Main Event start?
The APPT Main Event, with a $1 million guarantee, is set to begin soon, and it promises to be a major highlight of the series.
