Top 20 Richest Poker Player in India

Despite its contentious image, poker, a classic card game frequently connected to smoke-filled back rooms and high-stakes betting, has become a popular pastime for many. Players compete against one another in this game of skill, strategy, and nerve by using well-considered movements and deft bluffs.

For some, poker serves as a means of income, offering a platform where sharp minds can excel and profit. Professional players, sharpen their skills through practice and study, compete in tournaments worldwide, competing for prestigious titles and substantial cash prizes.

India's poker scene has boomed in recent years, with talented players making their mark on both the domestic and international stage. We will talk about the world of Indian poker, unveiling the top 20 players who have consistently impressed with their strategic gameplay and unwavering determination at the core.

Top 20 Richest Poker Players in India For 2024

List of Top 20 Richest Poker Players in India

20. Kalyan Chakravarthy Cheekuri

Kalyan Chakravarthy Cheekuri is a poker player from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. He has been playing poker for over 10 years and has over $100,000 in live tournament winnings. Cheekuri is a regular on the Indian poker circuit and has won several tournaments, including the 2017 India Poker Championship Main Event for ₹10,00,000. He has also cashed in several major international tournaments, including the World Series of Poker Main Event. Cheekuri has also won over $50,000 in online tournaments. 

19. Akshay Nasa

Delhi-based poker pro Akshay Nasa is a standout in India's poker scene, known for his skills in both live and online play. With notable live cashes at the World Series of Poker and Asia Pacific Poker Tour, Nasa's career highlights include victories at events like the World Poker Tour and Asia Poker Tour, earning him nearly $500,000 in total live earnings by December 2023. Recognized as 'sherlock52' and 'Vibaks' online, Nasa's achievements extend to virtual felts, including a ₹7,52,515 score at the India Online Poker Championship. As a top 20 player in India, Nasa's journey promises continued excitement and success.

18. Aditya Gurunath Systla

Aditya Gurunath systla is a renowned poker player who secured 2nd position at the WPT world championship in las vegas in december of 2022 and has participated in various poker tournaments in the last decade.

17. Nikita Luther

Nikita Luther is a prominent figure in the Indian poker community, recognized for her skill and achievements in the game. Hailing from Delhi, she has made significant strides in both live and online poker tournaments. Luther gained widespread attention after becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2018.

Her victory came in the $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em - Tag Team event, where she partnered with German player Giuseppe Pantaleo. Luther's success has solidified her position as one of India's most respected and accomplished poker players, inspiring many aspiring players in the country.

16. Ashish Munot

Ashish Munot is a force to be reckoned with on the Indian poker scene. While his online presence seems a little under the radar, his live tournament results showcase a skilled and consistent player on the rise. He is a rising Indian poker star, has over $554,267 in live earnings. While titles are yet to come, his consistent cashes, including a strong 2nd place finish at the 2022 WPT Prime Vietnam for $87,237, showcase his talent. Primarily on the WPT circuit, Munot's a player to watch for future victories.

15. Vasu Amarapu

Vasu Amparu is known in the poker community for his win at the 2019 Los Angeles Poker Classic (LAPC). He has participated in various poker tournaments and played brilliant poker in them all. He currently resides in Bellingham, MA, United States. In India's all time money list compilation he comes at 15th number.

14. Dhaval Mudgal

Dhaval Mudgal for his spectacular win at the Asian Poker Tour in Vietnam 2023 and has several other notches on his poker belt such as his amazing performance that secured him the second position at World Poker Tour Prime in May 2023.

13. Nishant Sharma

Nishant Sharma came into the poker spotlight with his win at the World Poker Championship in 2022. Before this he had played amazing poker at various tournaments but had not been able to bag a win but he finally succeeded in 2022.

12. Paawan Bansal

Paawan Bansal hailing from Meerut has been a famous Indian poker player for a while. He is known for his strategic mind and poker skills. Paawan has played in World series of poker as well as World poker tour and bagged himself winnings wherever he goes. With a total of 15 cash prizes he excels in poker strategy and gameplay.

11. Zarvan Tumboli

Zarvan Tumboli won big at the VSOP Championship IX where he secured 1st position at the tournament. His spectacular display of poker skills has gained him many admirers in forms of people who want to be skilled at poker and go on to become big poker players.

10. Aditya Sushant

Aditya Sushant, an Indian poker sensation, has carved a name for himself with remarkable achievements in the game. Notably, in 2017, he etched his place in poker history by becoming the first Indian player to win a gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas. His victory in the $1,000 Tag Team No-Limit Hold'em event alongside Nipun Java showcased his exceptional talent and marked a significant milestone for Indian poker. Sushant's success has inspired many aspiring players in India and solidified his position as a trailblazer in the country's burgeoning poker scene.

9. Kunal Patni

Kunal Patni, a former private banker, transitioned into a successful professional poker player after clinching victory at the Asia Championship of Poker (ACOP) in Macau in 2014. Leaving behind his banking career with notable stints at IIFL, HSBC, and others, he dedicated himself to poker full-time in 2015. Ranking as India's Number 2 player in his debut year, Patni has wins at the Asian Poker Tour, World Poker Tour, and Deltin Poker Tournament.

Notably, he secured 2nd place at the Berlin WPTDeepStacks in 2018. Patni's leadership as captain of Deccan Aces in the Poker Sports League underscores his influence in India's poker community.

8. Raghav Bansal

Raghav Bansal, a rising star in the world of poker, hails from India and has left a mark with his remarkable achievements. Notably, he clinched victory at the 2015 Asia Championship of Poker (ACOP) Main Event in Macau, showcasing his skill and determination on the international stage. Bansal's win at such a prestigious event pulled him into the spotlight, earning him recognition and respect within the poker community.

Beyond this milestone, Bansal has continued to excel with impressive cashes and final table appearances, solidifying his reputation as one of India's most promising and talented poker players.

7. Kartik Ved

Kartik Ved is a prominent figure in the poker world, celebrated for his remarkable achievements both online and in live tournaments. Notable among his accomplishments is his victory in the prestigious World Poker Tour (WPT) event, where he outshone seasoned competitors to claim a significant cash prize. Additionally, Ved has demonstrated his skill in online poker, amassing impressive winnings and securing prestigious titles on various platforms. His dedication and talent have solidified his reputation as one of the standout players in the global poker community.

6. Aditya Agarwal

Aditya Agarwal's poker journey started with modest successes at the WSOP Circuit in 2007, gradually turning into notable finishes at prestigious events like EPT Barcelona and the WSOP Main Event. Despite intermittent dry spells, he showed consistency and skill, securing significant cashes across various international circuits. Agarwal's profile extends online, boasting over USD$4 million in earnings.

With a penchant for the WSOP Main Event, his unwavering dedication and skill promise a golden bracelet in the future. In 2018, Agarwal's momentum continued with impressive performances, including a runner-up finish at the APPT Main Event.

5. Abhinav Iyer 

Abhinav Iyer received a WSOP gold bracelet in 2019,winning in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em – The Closer Event for $565,346. His stellar victory stands as the top of his live tournament career, alongside WSOP earnings of $588,579 from eight cashes. Notably, his 2020 online performances during the pandemic were remarkable, with 15 cashes including a fourth-place finish in the $1,111 Every 1 for Covid Relief event for $127,571.

Iyer's versatility extends to live cash games and online poker, where he's demonstrated skill across various platforms, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the poker world.

4. Ankit Ahuja

Ankit Ahuja is a rising figure in the world of poker, known for his talent and dedication to the game. Hailing from India, Ahuja has made strides in both live and online tournaments, showcasing his skill and strategic mind. Ahuja's consistent performances and passion for the game have earned him respect within the poker community.

With a promising future ahead, he continues to hone his skills and make his mark on the global poker scene, poised to achieve even greater success in the years to come.

3. Nipun Java

Nipun Java is a well-known poker player from India. He's skilled at both playing poker online and in person at live tournaments. People started noticing him because he won a big poker event called the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2017.

He won it with another player named Aditya Sushant. They played together in a special event called the $1,000 Tag Team No-Limit Hold'em. Nipun has also done really well in other poker tournaments, winning lots of money and getting to the final table many times. People think he's one of the best poker players around.

2. Santosh Survana

Santosh Survana is a talented poker player who has made a name for himself in the poker world. Originally from India, Santosh has gained recognition for his skills both online and in live tournaments. He's known for his strategic thinking and ability to make smart decisions during games.

Santhosh Suvarna made waves by reaching the final table of the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Event #5: $75K NLHE 8–Handed, finishing 8th. Though he didn't win, making it to 8th place in such a prestigious event is remarkable. The Triton Poker Super High Roller series attracts top pros worldwide, making Suvarna's achievement even more impressive.

1. Vivek Rajkumar

Rajkumar began his poker journey in 2006, clinching a WPT series tournament in Canada for $30,022. His breakthrough came in 2008 at the L.A Poker Classic, where he secured victory and $113,425. Another milestone arrived when he triumphed at the World Poker Tour event in Atlantic City, pocketing $1,424,500 after defeating renowned players.

Rajkumar's success brought Indian poker into the limelight, despite initial doubts about his age due to his youthful appearance. He continued to excel, winning the 2009 L.A Poker Classic for $350,000 and finishing second in 2010 for $78,600. In 2019, he claimed fifth place at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in London, earning $3,652,345 – his highest payout to date.

FAQ's

1. Who is the richest poker player in India?

Vivek Rajkumar is the richest poker player in India. 

2. What is the salary of a poker player in India?

There is no fixed salary for a poker player, you can earn money as you win games. 

3. Is poker good for money?

Yes, You can play real money poker games and win a good amount of money.