Poker is gaining high traction among Indian women. There are many female poker players out there in the country and one name that recently captured the spotlight is Gunisha Sinha. This Delhi girl has made a name for herself in the realm of poker. Balancing a career as a dentist and poker player, Sinha recently made headlines for her remarkable WSOP debut, earning an impressive $11,090 (her career-high live score) in the WSOP 2024 $300 No Limit Hold’em – Gladiators of Poker (Bracelet Event #20).
A queen of poker royalty and better half of the young gun Gaurav Sood, Sinha is passionate about poker and has showcased remarkable prowess on both the virtual and live felts over the years, thus marking her journey as an inspiring narrative for women in the game.
Gunisha’s Poker Journey
Gunisha’s poker journey began with a group of friends who were avid players, including her college mate, Gaurav Sood, who is widely regarded as one of India’s top poker players. During the lockdown, with plenty of free time on her hands, Sinha decided to delve deeper into the intricacies of poker. She joined Abhishek Goindi’s Poker Bootcamp India, where she immersed herself in learning the game’s nuances and honing her skills. This structured approach laid the foundation for her consistent performance, transitioning her from a recreational player to a formidable contender in the poker arena.
Achievements on the Virtual Felts
Her dedication and hard work paid out handsomely. Gunisha’s online poker journey boasts over six titles and winnings close to INR 63 Lakhs. Some notable achievements under her belt include a second place for INR 2,82,335 in the AOPS Micro Main Event (2024) and a third-place for INR 1,00,000 in the ATOC Women’s Day Special (2021) on Adda52. She also made significant finishes in prestigious tournaments like PokerBaazi’s Masters#36 BIG SUPERSTACK 75 LAC GTD (RE) and The MoneyMaker, where she secured INR 6,23,000 and INR 1,75,000 respectively. Her career-best online score came from a second-place finish in PokerBaazi’s PBC#23 GAME CHANGER (2023), earning a life-changing INR 17,12,000. Among other accolades to her name is her third-place finish for INR 3,12,423 in Spartan Poker’s IOPC #140 – 35 Lacs GTD (2023).
Transition to the Live Poker Arena
Building on her online success, Gunisha transitioned to live poker and has achieved some notable results. Her first two live cashes came at the 2022 WPT Prime Cambodia, where she posted two final table finishes, including a second place in the Ladies Event and a third-place finish in the Turbo Freezeout. These achievements on the international poker felts marked the beginning of a promising live poker career. In 2023, she repeated her success at WPT Prime Cambodia, securing two more cash finishes.
The highlight of her live poker journey came just recently at the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP). Making her WSOP debut, Gunisha has already cashed two events, with her best score being $11,090 for a 39th place finish in the the WSOP 2024 $300 No Limit Hold’em – Gladiators of Poker. This achievement not only underscores her growing prominence in the global poker arena but also serves as inspiration for other women in poker.
Her Views on the Indian Poker Scene
Gunisha is very optimistic about the growth trajectory of poker in India. She believes that there is immense potential for the game to grow in India, especially with more people joining in and recognizing poker as a mind sport rather than a game of chance. This shift in perception is crucial for the game’s popularity and acceptance.
Advice for Aspiring Women Poker Players
To fellow women exploring poker, Gunisha emphasizes the importance of hard work and a structured approach to learning. “Study hard and realize it’s mostly hard work,” she advises. She stresses that poker should not be viewed solely in terms of monetary gains but as a way of life that teaches valuable lessons about uncertainty, probability, and emotional resilience. Her message is clear: hard work and continuous learning are key to success.
Looking Up to the Greats
In her journey, Gunisha looks up to several top players in India and outside. She admires Gaurav Sood for his approach to the game. Other players she looks up to include the likes of veteran poker pro Paawan Bansal, poker pro and coach Abhishek Goindi, and Kristen Bicknell, all of whom have contributed significantly to the game of poker.
A Promising Future Lies Ahead
With her impressive performances and unwavering dedication, Sinha is set to make an even greater impact in the world of poker. Her journey serves as an inspiration not only to women but to all aspiring players in India and beyond. As she continues to up her skills and achieve new milestones, the poker community eagerly watches her rise and is hopeful that she will soon make a greater mark on the global stage. Cheers to Gunisha for her continued success and excellence in the game of poker.
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