Is India the next big frontier for online poker? As global poker platforms look to expand, WPT Global is making a bold move by onboarding Nikesh Chawla as its first official influencer from India, signaling a new chapter in the country’s rapidly growing poker ecosystem.
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The Rise of Nikesh Chawla: From Uncertainty to Triumph
In the world of poker, sometimes a story isn’t just about a single big win or an extraordinary hand but about a journey. For Nikesh Chawla, that journey began during one of the most uncertain times in modern history—the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world came to a standstill, Chawla, like many others, faced challenges. But for him, this became an opportunity to go all-in on a new path.
“After I lost my job, I returned to Pune and decided to play poker online. From there, it’s been a journey of growth,” recalls Chawla.
With a business degree from MIT Pune and prior entrepreneurial ventures under his belt, Chawla wasn’t unfamiliar with the grind. However, it was the poker tables where he truly found his calling. His decision to pursue poker and combine it with content creation and travel has not only transformed his life but also positioned him as one of India’s rising stars in the global poker arena.
Picture Courtesy: SOMUCHPOKER
A Perfect Match: Chawla Teams Up with WPT Global
Now, as WPT Global’s first official influencer from India, Chawla is poised to drive the platform’s growth within the Indian poker community. He will offer a blend of behind-the-scenes content, fun poker hands, and interactive posts, making poker more accessible and entertaining for his audience.
“I’m super excited to partner with WPT Global and help grow its presence,” says Chawla. “Their tournaments are fantastic, and their app is user-friendly. The platform’s second-place global ranking speaks volumes, and I’m eager to work with the WPT team to share my journey with my followers.”
Chawla believes this partnership is a natural fit, aligning with his values of integrity and fairness, which are central to WPT Global’s mission.
“The platform offers incredible opportunities and ensures a fair environment for players,” he explains. “The focus on integrity is something I resonate with.”
Rising Through the Ranks: Chawla’s Impressive Poker Journey
While Chawla’s rise has been swift, his success on the international poker scene has been hard-earned. He made an early impression with a final-table appearance at the DPT May 2024 High Roller, finishing seventh and taking home ₹5.71 Lakhs. However, it was his triumph at the WPT Cambodia 2025 event where he truly made his mark. In the $2,000 Turbo High Roller, Chawla defeated a competitive field to claim $58,080 (~₹50.33 Lakhs), securing his first live tournament title and a career-best score.
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But his accomplishments didn’t stop there. Chawla continued to shine, adding two more deep runs at the same event. His performance was further solidified when he won the APPT Cambodia 2025 Event #35: $200 High Roller Turbo, earning $17,634 (~₹14.91 Lakhs). His success in turbo high roller tournaments, where instinct and momentum play a crucial role, has been a standout feature of his playing style.
With two live titles, five final-table finishes, and total live earnings exceeding ₹90 Lakhs, Chawla’s poker resume is growing rapidly. Additionally, his online performance is equally impressive. Since December 2022, Chawla has accumulated ₹1.85 Crores in online earnings. His achievements include a runner-up finish in PokerBaazi’s 2023 Masters #23 Mini High Roller for ₹13.48 Lakhs, as well as five flagship titles and four NPS India medals.
A New Face for Indian Poker
Nikesh Chawla’s rise represents the changing landscape of Indian poker. He is a new breed of player—educated, entrepreneurial, and expressive—blurring the lines between professional poker and content creation. With WPT Global backing him, Chawla is now in a position to inspire the next generation of poker players and elevate the global profile of Indian poker.
“I’ve always wanted to do something of my own,” Chawla reflects. “Poker gave me that platform, and now, with WPT Global, I’m excited to take it to the next level.”
As Chawla continues to build his brand, his influence on the Indian poker scene will likely extend beyond the tables. With WPT Global’s support, the partnership is set to fuel the expansion of poker in India, creating new opportunities for players and fans alike.
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FAQs
1. Who is Nikesh Chawla?
Nikesh Chawla is a professional poker player and content creator from India, recognized for his impressive performance in live and online tournaments. He is the first official influencer for WPT Global from India.
2. What is WPT Global?
WPT Global is an online poker platform known for its integrity, fair play, and global tournaments. It ranks among the top poker platforms worldwide.
3. What is Nikesh Chawla’s most significant poker achievement?
Nikesh Chawla’s most significant achievement is winning the WPT Cambodia 2025 $2,000 Turbo High Roller for $58,080 (~₹50.33 Lakhs), marking his first live title.
4. How much has Nikesh Chawla earned from poker?
Nikesh Chawla has earned over ₹90 Lakhs from live tournaments and ₹1.85 Crores from online poker since December 2022.
5. Why is Nikesh Chawla partnering with WPT Global?
Nikesh Chawla’s partnership with WPT Global aims to expand the platform’s presence in India and bring more exposure to the growing Indian poker scene.
