Meet Mithun Mahesh, a prominent poker professional from Kerala, who quit his engineering job to become a poker pro in late 2018. Since turning pro, there has been no looking back for Mithun as has managed to stay on top of his game.
From dominating virtual tables to making his mark in live poker, Mahesh has built a legacy of skill, strategy, and resilience. The 2023 WPT Prime India SuperStack champion boasts an impressive INR 12.7 Crores in online winnings along with over 249 online titles in his 5-6 year-long journey.
Regarded as one of the top MTT players in the country, Mithun is both a poker pro and coach who brings his A-game to the table every time he sits down to grind. Some of his career highlights include a victory in the Adda52 Big Game for INR 11.40 Lakhs and a win in Spartan Poker’s India Turbo Masters (ITM) Main Event, where he pocketed hefty INR 13,34,400, marking his career-best score.
Mithun’s achievements are not just confined to the virtual felts as he has also made his mark on the live scene, earning recognition for his deep runs across various prestigious events like WPT, DPT and IPC. His most notable live achievement came in 2023 when he won the WPT Prime SuperStack for INR 10.89 Lakhs.
Masterclass in Strategy at PSL Season 6 Finale in Goa
Recently, Mithun stole the spotlight during the Pocket52 Poker Sports League (PSL) Season 6. The event, a thrilling spectacle streamed live on JioCinema from the picturesque Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, saw the Kunal Patni-led Deccan Aces emerge as the first-ever two-time PSL champions. And the hero of their victory was none other than Mithun Mahesh, who performed amazingly well throughout the season. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, he played a pivotal role in the final match, playing some top-notch poker and helping his team to snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat. His standout performance earned him the “Player of the Season” title and a well-deserved bonus of INR 2 Lakhs, solidifying his place among the PSL’s elite.
A few days after the PSL finale, we caught up with Mithun Mahesh to dive into his PSL experience, his key role in the Deccan Aces’ victory and the strategies he employed during the intense finale. We also asked how Kunal Patni’s leadership shaped the team’s approach and a lot more. Here are the excerpts:
PokerProNews: Hi Mithun, congratulations on your incredible performance in PSL Season 6 and being named Player of the Season! How does it feel to play such a crucial role in Deccan Aces’ historic victory?
Mithun: Thank you. Everyone in the team had specific roles, and each was crucial. I’m just glad we could deliver collectively.
PokerProNews: You were instrumental in the final match. Can you walk us through your mindset and strategy during the crucial moments of the finale?
Mithun: It was simple. We knew winning the trophy was possible, and we just had to believe it. Our preparation and trust in each other strengthened that belief. We gave our best, and fortunately, things worked out in our favor.
PokerProNews: Deccan Aces, under Kunal Patni’s leadership, made history by winning the PSL trophy twice. What makes him an effective captain, and how did his leadership influence the team?
Mithun: Kunal does whatever it takes for the team to perform well. He listens to everyone, respects their opinions, and then forms a plan. He brings a comforting energy, and there’s no pressure, which is why he’s such a top captain.
PokerProNews: What were some of the highlights of your PSL experience? Was there a particular moment that stood out?
Mithun: There were plenty of highlights. The whole grand finale was mesmerizing, but the entire experience, with all its ups and downs, stands out.
PokerProNews: What are your expectations for the next PSL season? Will the competition be tougher?
Mithun: Yes, it will only get tougher. But as a team, we’ll double down and aim for the win again next year.
PokerProNews: The Deccan Aces have set a high standard by winning the PSL twice. How will the team evolve to maintain this momentum?
Mithun: We’ve set a solid foundation and a template to build on. There are still areas to improve, and we’ll work on them diligently next season.
PokerProNews: You earned the Player of the Season title and a well-deserved INR 2 Lakhs bonus. What does this recognition mean to you, and how will you build on this success?
Mithun: I think there were many “players of the season” this time who didn’t get recognized. I saw some really impressive performances from upcoming talents. I’m grateful my name was noted as Player of the Season, but I know I can do better than what I did this season. So, I’ll focus on filling those gaps and improving.
PokerProNews: How do you see PSL impacting the broader Indian poker landscape? Can it help elevate poker to a mainstream position in India?
Mithun: PSL is definitely helping represent poker as a sport and speeding up the evolution of Indian poker at many levels.
PokerProNews: What advice would you give to aspiring poker players who want to make their mark in PSL?
Minthun: Believe in yourself—not just at a surface level, but deep down, by putting in solid work off the tables. Keep at it. It has to click, and it will click. Cheers!
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