Promoting poker as a strategic and skill-based game in India has always been mostly dependent on the Poker Sports League (PSL). Particularly with the arrival of a new team—the Bengaluru All Stars, run by Abhishek Reddy Kankanala—Season 6 of the PSL presents fascinating changes. This season is noteworthy. Not only for the club’s competitive debut but also for their strategic alliances with important sponsors, which qualifies them as a team to observe.
All Stars Star-studded team lineup
Leading with the extremely skilled poker pro and cover star of Gutshot magazine’s June 2024 issue. Zarvan Tumboli has created a group of seasoned players for their inaugural season. Renowned for his keen abilities, Zarvan has been named Team Captain. Given his vast knowledge of the poker scene, this is expected of him.
Abhishek Goindi, a very good poker player from India, will provide the club extra firepower. Goindi will be joining the Bengaluru All Stars as the team’s Wild Card entry, so providing strategic flexibility and perhaps game-changing capability. Renowned poker experts Jasveen Saigal, Nishant Sharma, and Avneesh Munjal also play for the team. Six gifted players who qualified online—Ritesh Khatwani, Nandan Pugalia, Tanay Kautia, Animesh Banerjee, Uttam Kumar, and Sunny Prajapati—help these seasoned players even more.
The Bengaluru All Stars are poised to make a significant impact in their first season given their varied and gifted lineup.
Season 6 of the poker sports league: organisation and calendar
Beginning on August 26, 2024, the sixth season of the Poker Sports League (PSL) will run until September 8, 2024 via virtual events. The first stage is these virtual games, which generate buzz as players and supporters get ready for the live events. Beginning on September 12, the league will move to live events in Goa, an Indian poker hub.
This season stands out for the streaming arrangement with top OTT provider JioCinema. By enabling poker enthusiasts all around to follow the games live, this cooperation helps to popularize the game and highlight the talent required in professional poker. The league wants to keep improving the position of poker in India by means of increasing accessibility and publicity.
Important Deals for Sponsorship
The support of two big sponsors—BigCash and COPAG—is one of the main features of the Bengaluru AllStars’ debut. These sponsorships not only show how popular poker is becoming in India but also show the faith big companies have in the future of the game.
All Stars Big Cash – Title Sponsor
BigCash is the title sponsor of the Bengaluru AllStars. In the Indian skill-based and real-money gaming market, BigCash is a reputable platform. Renowned for providing a large range of games, including poker, rummy, ludo, and cricket, BigCash is connected with fair and safe gameplay. Users all throughout the nation may easily access the platform since it runs both iOS and Android.
Since both the platform and the team want to make use of one another, the cooperation with BigCash is strategically one. For the Bengaluru AllStars, having such a well-known brand helps not only with financial support but also raises their profile among BigCash’s extensive user base. BigCash’s participation in the PSL season highlights the developing synergy across the gaming and poker sectors in India.
Furthermore, COPAG was welcomed as an associate sponsor by the Bengaluru All Stars. Since 1918, the international card manufacturing powerhouse COPAG has been creating excellent cards. Testament to their worldwide fame, they are the official card provider for the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Operating under Parksons Cartamundi, an India-Belgium joint venture, COPAG in India runs through the local company Art of Cards.
Having COPAG as an associate sponsor gives the Indian poker industry a respected worldwide reputation. Therefore, it supports the professional standards of the league. The premium playing cards of COPAG will enhance the league’s whole competitive experience by guaranteeing fair and top-notional gameplay.
Associate Sponsor, Kankanala Sports Group
An additional important alliance for the Bengaluru All Stars is with the Kankanala Sports Group (KSG), an associate sponsor. Developing grassroots sports in India is KSG’s passion. They have made investments in several sports teams, such as the Hyderabad Black Hawks, in the Prime Volleyball League. The Telegu Talons are in the Premier Handball League, the Bangalore Raptors are in the Premier Badminton League, and INDE Racing is in the FIM E-Xplorer Championship.
The Bengaluru All-Stars’ investment in KSG highlights their conviction that poker could be a competitive sport in India. Their participation in several sports shows a complete approach to developing athletic ability. They aim to support different athletic activities all throughout the nation.
The Growing Platform for Poker: Poker Sports League
Rising as the top team-based poker competition in India is the Poker Sports League (PSL). PSL brings together a mix of professional players, wild card entries, and gifted novices who have earned their position via fierce competition using several stages.
The main goals of the league are to show the ability and strategy needed to succeed in poker and raise its reputation in India. PSL is dispelling false ideas about poker by making it more accessible. It makes appealing to a larger audience by working with OTT services like JioCinema for live streaming.
Bengaluru All Stars: One Team to Track
The Bengaluru All Stars have entered PSL Season 6 boldly with a solid slate of professional players. They are qualified recruits and clever partnerships. Their alliances with BigCash, COPAG, and Kankanala Sports Group. This give the operational and financial support required to compete at the highest level.
