PANJIM: Amin Rozani, co-founder and MD of The Spartan Poker said, “Poker is recognised as a game of skill and not a game of luck. Some of the top players are the ones who keep winning because they have developed their skills with practice and better their game.”
He was addressing the media at the opening of India Poker Championship (IPC) which kick-start today at Big Daddy Casino, Panjim. The championship will conclude on January 19.
“If it was a game of chance, this wouldn’t be the case. It’s impossible that the top players would win so often if it wasn’t for their skill”, he added.
Asked about the development of the game, Amin said, “Over the past decade much has changed. The number of players and tournaments are increased. The prize money and buy-in amounts have increased significantly. Earlier we used to see 50 to 60 people come in to play and now we have around 700 players registered”.
“The buy-in amounts have increased from Rs 20000 to Rs 100000. Most of the players are within the 24 to 35-year bracket. A lot of women too are now taking poker seriously. IPC is the first poker tournament brand in the country and the objective clearly is to grow the sport”, he concluded.
Raj Talwar, champion of IPC 2019 said, “I’ve been playing poker for the last two decades. Earlier I used to play it for fun but now the games are much more intense and serious. Today many individuals have chosen to play poker professionally and make it a career option. Poker teaches many skills. It helps you read your opponent better. It also helps people manage success and failure in a positive manner”.
The ‘IPC Main Event’ will be the biggest attraction of the tournament series. The winner of the main event will be crowned as the ‘India Poker Champion 2020’ as well as will get sponsorship package worth Rs 20 lakh along with a MS Dhoni edition Panerai Luxury watch worth Rs 6.67 lakh.
