PANJIM: Goa witnessed Spartan Poker’s much-awaited and lauded Indian Poker Championship bringing together popular and eminent Internet and television personalities under one roof, the tournament was filled with glitz, glamour, and gaming, at a casino in Panjim.
The tournament was kick started in the presence of Amin Rozani, co-founder and MD of Spartan Poker, along with Sameer Rattonsey, co-founder India Poker Championship, Peter Abraham, co-founder India Poker Championship and Founder of Gunshot magazine. The members of the industry extended their happiness to all the participants and guests in addition to highlighting the challenges faced in taking Poker mainstream as an entertainment sport.
IPC is recognized as one of the most in-demand tournament series and has seen record-breaking participation from poker players across different regions of the country.
Making the event memorable and grander, this year Spartan Poker invited the biggest names from the showbiz industry across the country and the world.
Making the tournament magnificent was world-famous, poker player Dan Bilzerian who attended the grand finale of the tournament on Sunday.
The professional poker player is popular for his ‘larger than life’ personality and enjoys over 28 million followers on Instagram. Closer home, popular host and actor Rannvijay Singha, who has been one of the most popular faces on Indian television for a decade and a half, was a part of the Goa gala. Along with him, the line-up included actor Kunal Khemu, Minnisha Lamba, film producer and TV and film star Anita Hassanandani.
Being overwhelmed by the love and appreciation Dan was enamoured by Goa and the participants. Enthused with the love, Dan also participated in a high stake poker match, leaving a strong message for his young fans at the event.
He urged the youth to be authentic and how the internet sees through the lack of authenticity these days. He said that the virtual life is an extension of one’s real life we should have fun offline and online.
Dan gave an insight on how people want to know about one’s life, and not posed pictures of one’s self or their salad.
The poker star emphasized on the importance of staying authentic rather than shocking people with staged pictures.
Commentating on the tournament, Rannvijay Singha, said, “I am extremely delighted and excited about the Indian Poker championship. The stakes were higher and it promised to be a night to remember. I am overwhelmed to see the responses by the participants and all the love they showered upon us. This is just the beginning and stay tuned for many more such activities.”
The 2019 edition of the IPC presented its participants with a total of Rs 3 crores GTD which got extended to Rs 5.5 crores plus and was played out across five days in Goa.
The 35 K Main Events were spread across three days while the final day featured the 15k Headhunter event.
