Radhika Shankar aka “Poker Mom,” is a notable and respected figure in the Indian poker circuit. The female poker pro has carved a name for herself thanks to consistent participation in live as well as online poker events, and her passion towards the game. With her dedication and perseverance, she has become an inspiration for several women in the poker space. Her journey from casual player to regular competitor in competitive events showcases her passion for the game.
Radhika Shankar’s story underscores the growing number of female poker players in the country who are stepping into the competitive arena, bringing in diversity and contributing to the evolution of poker, especially in India.
First taste of success
Predominantly, a recreational player, Radhika Shankar has grabbed attention and established herself by adding a few big wins to her kitty. Radhika Shankar grabbed headlines in 2020 after emerging as the standout female performer at the DPT Xpress.
The 47-year-old poker player and mother to a nine-year-old daughter outshined a field of 192 entries at the ₹15K Main Event. Shankar eventually took an impressive third place, banking a paycheque of ₹2.80 Lakhs. What makes her score sweeter is the fact that she actually had only ₹229 in her online bankroll just weeks before the DPT.
With her entire bankroll at stake, Radhika signed up for a step satellite on Sunday, February 16, 2020. She successfully shipped that and made her way into the main satellite worth ₹2,500 that was happening the same night. She won that too and bagged an entire DPT package worth ₹40,000!
Talking of the third place finish at DPT Xpress 2020 Main Event she said, “When I was dealt my very first hand of the Main Event, I got an epiphany (!) that I was going to finish in the top three. Call it positivity or intention; hard work or gut feeling; good vibes or love; run good or sheer luck, whatever it was, it kept me zoned and got me there.”
Relationship with Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT)
Notably, Shankar has worked in the advertising sector before. DPT Xpress in 2020 kicked off her live poker journey in Sikkim. She attended more DPT editions later. Talking of the poker series, he said, “To say the DPT is always good to me is an understatement. Here’s why – I’ve always ITMed!”
Radhika Shankar had taken the seventh place in the 2019 March DPTX Main Event previously before going on to post scores at the Main Event again in the June and July editions the same year. Later, her third-place finish at DPT Xpress 2020 was the closest she had come to the title, yet.
Shankar acknowledged the fact that poker is a male-dominated sport. However, for her, that’s just a number. “I see absolutely no difference between a male and female poker player. If anything, women have an edge. We can multitask. Men can’t!!” she says.
Radhika Shankar has been taking coaching for poker and putting a lot of effort into studying the game. She is an active member of the Poker Bootcamp India headed by Abhishek Goindi and Tanay Hargunaney.
She credits the constant encouragement of her mentors for the way she plays and that reflects in her game. “They were by my side, egging me on, guiding me, railing me, just being there for me!” she said.
Radhika also made waves at the 2023 WPT Prime India. She competed in the Ladies Event and ended up as the runner-up for ₹ 80,000.
Radhika Shankar stats
Radhika Shakar, who has also won several prestigious online tournaments including the Money Hunt PKO this year, has over a Total Live Earnings of $8,016 in her four years of playing live poker. The number is pretty impressive given that the The WTF and The Big Show final tablist is predominantly a recreational player.
Her best live cash to date has been $3,879, which she pocketed by finishing the second runner up place at the p 15,000 No Limit Hold’em – DPT Xpress Main Event (Event #6) at Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT) Xpress held in Panjim, Goa.
Additionally, she ranks 187,362nd on the All-Time Money List according to Hendon Mob, and 646th on India’s All Time Money list.
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