Hailing from Bathinda in Punjab, Tarun Goyal has become a sensation in the Indian poker scene. A former IT professional and Adda52 Team Pro, Tarun started playing poker while working in the IT sector. He transitioned to poker in 2012, and has built an impressive reputation over the years. Tarun has a DPT title, 40 online titles, several deep finishes in prestigious live events including a deep run in this year’s WSOP Main Event to his name. These achievements speak volumes about his dedication, hard work and his relentless hunger for excellence in the game.
Although Tarun has been a consistent performer, the last couple of months have been really big for him. On August 24, he etched his name in poker history by clinching the 12th bracelet win for India. He overcame a tough field of 881 competitors and defeated GGPoker Ambassador Ren Lin in heads-up to claim victory in the 2024 WSOP Online Event #4: $840 Bounty Pot Limit Omaha on Natural8 India. The win not only earned him the coveted bracelet but also a staggering INR 1.09 Crore prize money.
Even prior to his historic WSOP victory, Tarun was on a hot streak as he finished second in Natural8 India’s Bounty Hunters HR Main Event on August 18 for INR 1.04 Crores and then came close to winning a bracelet in Natural8 India’s Event #6: $1,500 Monster Stack NLHE, finishing ninth for INR 32.45 Lakhs
September turned out to be a particularly blockbuster month for Tarun, starting with a victory in the Daily Main Event 250, where he pocketed a hefty INR 25.47 Lakhs. He then followed that up with a third-place finish in the Big 250 Bounty Second Chance for INR 10.62 Lakhs. His most significant score came for his victory in the Bounty Hunters HR Deepstack 525 where he earned a whopping INR 1.11 Crores. This win, combined with a deep run in the WSOP Online Main Event where he finished 353rd for INR 13.40 Lakhs, significantly boosted his annual online winnings exceeding INR 5.55 Crores.
Over the last two months, Tarun has scored more than a dozen six-figure scores on Natural8 India alone. Some of his other notable finishes are a 26th place in the WSOP Online Event #22: COLOSSUS 400, where he took home INR 12.69 Lakhs, and an eighth-place finish in the Bounty Hunters Daily Deepstack 54 for INR 5.39 Lakhs. With his career gaining big momentum, we caught up with Tarun to discuss his poker journey, the challenges he faced along the way, his WSOP victory, recent hot streak, secrets to his success in big-field tournaments, and how he balances his professional poker and family life. Here are the excerpts:
PokerProNews: Hi Tarun, first of all congratulations on your bracelet victory at WSOP Online! Winning a WSOP bracelet is a dream for every poker player. Can you walk us through your journey to bracelet victory at 2024 WSOP Online #4: $840 Bounty Pot Limit Omaha? Also could you tell us how it felt to capture your first WSOP bracelet and how it has impacted your confidence?
Tarun: Thank you! Well, I had my eyes on winning the Main Event in the July edition in Las Vegas, but I finished 347th. Despite the result, I believe I played very well, especially on Day 4. However, I made a big mistake in a big pot, which cost me the chance to be the chip leader on Day 5. I just finished 347th and that dream for the bracelet remained just a dream. I wasn’t in the best state of mind, but I resolved that once I return to India, I have to elevate my game. So that is why I have started working on my mindset to improve my game further.
Talking about my journey to the WSOP online bracelet win, it had actually started even before the tournament. Winning that bracelet was incredibly significant and motivating. On Day 2, when only 37 players remained, I was around 15th in chips. Although I didn’t have a large stack and faced some very strong PLO players, I trusted my abilities and experience in PLO. Despite feeling like an underdog, I kept reminding myself of my capabilities.
A piece of advice by my coach that stuck with me was: “If you’re scared to do something, do it scared—just go for it.” That mindset paid off. A winner’s mindset is key to focusing on doing your best and knowing that if it’s not this tournament, there will be another opportunity. When you overthink, you tend to underperform. You have to be willing to take risks and make the best decisions in the moment.
I remember a few hands on Day 2 where I misplayed due to nerves. But then, I played a hand really well, doubled up, and built momentum from there. The final table was tough, and I eventually faced Ren Lin, a renowned player, in heads-up. It didn’t last too long, but it felt amazing to secure the victory. So, capturing the bracelet was a fantastic feeling, and it has certainly boosted my confidence.
The win made me realize my potential, but it also reminded me that I need to keep honing my skills. It’s not the time to sit back; I need to study and work on my game continuously. The motivation from this win is pushing me to lead a healthier lifestyle, study more and work on my mind, which in turn helps my performance at the poker table. Being in good physical and mental shape directly impacts the game. So, this victory has been a huge confidence booster.
PokerProNews: Before getting into poker, you were working in the IT sector. What led you to transition from the IT sector to becoming a full time poker player. How has been the experience so far?
Tarun: Yes, I started my career in the IT sector. I enjoyed my job and had a passion for programming and software development. I have a degree in Computer Science Engineering, and I was dedicated to my work. However, while working in IT, I started playing poker and found quick success in the early days. I guess I was fortunate in that regard. As my passion for poker grew, I slowly transitioned out of my job and eventually decided to pursue poker full-time. So, it has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the success and experiences I’ve gained along the way.
PokerProNews: You began playing poker back in 2012. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting out, and how did you overcome them to reach where you are today?
Tarun: When I began playing, there was very little information available on how to improve skills at poker. I faced some challenges, including enduring long downswings. There were many days when I felt like I was just wasting time. But eventually, I realized that I needed to approach the game more strategically. I discovered the importance of understanding the mathematics behind poker and using strategy tools that could help me get better. Talking to experienced players and learning from them was also crucial in my growth.
PokerProNews: Both August and September have been remarkable months for you, with multiple seven-figure scores on Natural8 India. What has been the key to this consistent success on the platform? Do you follow a particular routine or mindset to stay sharp during these intense grinds?
Tarun: Yes, I do follow a specific routine and mindset. For me, it’s essential to focus on performance over results. If I play well but don’t win, I’m satisfied with my efforts. However, if I win but my performance is bad, I’m not happy with myself. It’s all about maintaining a high level of focus and decision-making during those long sessions, especially in the final 2-3 hours of the tournament.
A good pre-session routine also plays a big role. For example, starting the day with some activities that prepare my mind for a long grind makes a significant difference. Although my routine is still a work in progress, I’ve been eating healthier and working out, which helps keep my mind sharp. Working out and surrounding myself with positive people have positively impacted my game.
PokerProNews: You’ve had success in both Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) and No-Limit Hold’em (NLH). What draws you to PLO, and how do you adjust your strategy when switching between these formats? Is there one that you prefer? Also tell us what you prefer between online and live poker?
Tarun: I usually prefer No-Limit Hold’em (NLH) tournaments, but I also enjoy playing PLO tournaments. Most of the people who play PLO tournaments are from cash game background only. But PLO tournaments come with some strategical differences and strategical adjustments that you have to make.
This is why many cash game players struggle with these adjustments. This gives me an edge in PLO tournaments. While I usually play NLH tournaments, my experience in PLO cash games allows me to adapt well when I switch formats.
As for online versus live poker, my preferences have changed over time. I used to prefer online poker due to its convenience, but now I find myself drawn more to live games. After playing online for over a decade, I am looking for a lifestyle that allows me to travel a bit and enjoy new experiences.
PokerProNews: You’ve made deep runs in some of the world’s toughest fields, including a 347th finish in this year’s WSOP Main Event. How do you stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations when the stakes are so high?
Tarun: A healthy lifestyle is crucial for maintaining focus during high-pressure situations. Good sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise keep my mind sharp. My focus is always on my performance, not on the money. I approach each tournament with the mindset that if I bust out, there will be other opportunities. Avoiding too much emotional attachment to any single tournament helps me stay calm and perform better.
PokerProNews: You’ve been part of the poker scene for over a decade. How have you seen the game evolve in India, both in terms of player skill and opportunities? What do you think is needed for poker to grow further in the country?
Tarun: When I started playing in 2012, poker was still in its infancy in India. Over the past 10-12 years, the game has grown significantly, especially the cash game scene. The tournament scene is also expanding, but the cash game landscape has grown a lot. A lot depends on government policies. For poker to truly flourish in India, there needs to be more support and favorable regulations, which can act as a catalyst for growth.
PokerProNews: Both poker and family demand time. How do you balance playing poker professionally with your responsibilities as a family person? What role does your family play in your poker journey?
Tarun: Balancing poker with family life is really hard. There aren’t many poker players who manage to maintain a perfect balance between their career and family life, but hats off to those who do. Yeah, my family has been a huge source of support throughout my poker journey, motivating me to keep pushing forward. Their encouragement keeps me grounded and focused on achieving my goals.
PokerProNews: Lastly, for young players who are just starting out and aiming to make it big in poker, what advice would you give them, especially in terms of managing variance and staying motivated through the ups and downs?
Tarun: My advice would be to focus on proper bankroll management. Understand the mathematics behind variance. There will always be variance in both cash games and tournaments. It’s crucial to understand which buy-in level is appropriate for you in tournaments and what stakes you should play in cash games. This understanding will help you play more freely and perform at your best. Aspiring players should prioritize mastering this aspect.
Secondly, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek coaching to continue improving your game. Find the right coach and dedicate at least one hour a day to studying the game. When you combine regular study with exercise and healthy eating, your performance will undoubtedly improve. With better focus, financial success will automatically follow.
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