The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is one of the most prestigious poker series in the world. Every poker player dreams of claiming at least one WSOP title in their career. And more so the WSOP Main Event title.
Like any other poker series, the Main Event of WSOP stands as the ultimate achievement in the world of poker. And mind you it’s not an easy feat! The event draws thousands of players from across the globe every year to compete for glory and life-changing sums of money. Indians too have been contending for this title over the years. Although India does not have a WSOP Main Event winner yet, the increasing participants of Indians showcase the rising interest, representation and talent on the global stage.
In the past few years, the Indian contingent has left its mark on the WSOP Main Event with notable cashes and deep runs. Here are some of the biggest cashes achieved by Indian players at the prestigious WSOP Main Event.
Highest cashes by Indians at WSOP Main Event
Anirban Das – 2023 WSOP
In 2023, Anirban Das set a new record by finishing closest compared to other Indians to the Main Event title. Das took 16th place after showcasing his exceptional skills and being among the top stacks on multiple days of the event. The 2023 WSOP Main Event had a ground-breaking entry field of 10,043 and a humongous prize pool of $93,399,900.
Interestingly, it was Das’ WSOP debit and his maiden trip was sponsored by Indian online poker giant PokerBaazi`s National Poker Series. He indeed made the most of this opportunity by etching his name in Indian poker history and setting new standards at the WSOP Main Event. His phenomenal 16th-place finish in the record-breaking 2023 WSOP Main Event fetched him an envy-worthy $430,200 (~₹3.53 Crores).
Das’ progress throughout all the starting days up to Day 7 was nothing short of drama and nail-biting action. He came face-to-face with elimination on multiple occasions. However, he managed to bounce back every time. He started Day 7 with 13,375,000 (54 BBs) at his disposal. Interestingly, he was among 49 players who returned to the tables on Day 7. On this day he even surpassed Nishant Sharma‘s record 34th-place finish record set during the 2018 WSOP Main Event.
By the time the game reached Level 34, Das’ had managed to increase his stack to an astounding 51,200,000 (102 BBs). However, post that he faced a wildly swingy game. By the time there were just 17 players left his chip count fell to a low of 6,200,000 (10 BBs).
But that too couldn’t stop Das as he first managed to get a double-up through Jack O’Neill holding pocket aces, swelling up his stack to 14,400,000 (24 BBs). He continued to show his power with another important double-up against Adam Walton, which increased his stack to an impressive 27,500,000 (46 BBs).
Unfortunately, Das was eliminated on the final hand of Day 7. His flush on the board with Qd Td succumbed to Walton’s flopped a full boat with 4h 4c. Nevertheless, it was indeed a historic day for Indian poker, as it marked a new milestone that will be cherished for years to come!
Nishant Sharma – 2018 WSOP
Apart from Anirban Das, the only Indian to land among the top 50 at a WSOP Main Event is Nishant Sharma. The pro finished at the 34th spot during the 2018 WSOP Main Event pocketing $230,475 for his finish. That year the event had recorded a total of 7,874 entries generating a final prize pool of $74,015,600.
Kartik Ved – 2019 WSOP
India’s first online WSOP bracelet winner, Kartik Ved, also made a deep run in the WSOP Main Event. Kartik Ved took the 51st spot at the 2019 WSOP. For his finish, he took home a handsome $173,015 from the $80,548,600 prize pool. The event had a total of 8,569 entries in the competition.
Abhinav Iyer – 2021 WSOP
Next is India’s first solo WSOP bracelet winner Abhinav Iyer. He finished closest to the WSOP Main Event title in 2021. Abhinav Iyer was eliminated at the 60th spot from the 6,650 entries at the event. He pocketed $113,800 for his finish at this Main Event which had a total prize pool of $62,011,250.
Aditya Agarwal – 2015 WSOP
Indian poker legend Aditya Agarwal had a 71st-place finish at the 2015 WSOP Main Event from an entry field of 6,420. Back then, the number of Indians participating in WSOP, let alone the Main Event, was a handful. This Aditya Agarwal’s 71st finish was a huge deal. He walked home with $96,445 for his 71st finish at the event from the prize pool of $60,355,857.
Nikita Luther – WSOP 2023
India’s very own poker queen Nikita Luther is in many aspects the first and only Indian female poker player to achieve great milestones. One of them is reaching the closest to claiming the WSOP Main Event title. At the 2023 WSOP Main Event, Luther was the second-last woman standing. India’s first and only female WSOP bracelet winner finally walked out at 96th place for $78,900. It is the same event wherein Anirban Das made history by finishing fifth. It had a prize pool of $93,399,900, with a total of 10,043 entries competing for the biggest Main Event in the history of WSOP.
With the pace at which the Indian continent has been achieving milestones in the global poker space and especially the WSOP, it won’t be surprising to see this list of best finishes at WSOP Main Event change in the coming years. Besides, given that WSOP 2024 Main Event is starting next month, all eyes will be on which Indian pro manages to land closest to the coveted Main Event title. Or even better if any pro manages to bring the prestigious honour home.
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