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In Conversation With G.O.A.T. 2024’s Last Woman Standing, Gunisha Sinha

A few weeks ago, PokerBaazi broke all records with the third edition of their flagship tournament called G.O.A.T., which had a never-seen-before guaranteed prize pool of ₹25 Crore. Prior to this, no online poker site in India had even dared to come close to such a gigantic tournament prize pool.

The tournament took place over multiple flights and when it ended on 15th October, there were some inspiring success stories that came to light. The winner Kabir Chhatwal took home a life-changing ₹3.11 Crore while the runner-up Sanjay Chaudhary bested that score after an ICM deal, his ₹4.14 Crore becoming the highest single cash seen in online poker in India.

Akshay Kapoor was involved in a great story as he live-streamed his final table finish which attracted record viewers as well. However, we’re going to focus on an up and coming but consistent poker player called Gunisha Sinha, who finished 15^th in that tournament, taking home a handsome payout of ₹7,50,000 and finishing as the last lady standing in the competition.

You may know her as ‘obimikel’ if you come across her on the PokerBaazi tables. And if you see that username, make sure you run away because she’s hungry for big scores of late, with her game improving on a daily basis. She once also finished 2^nd in End Boss on PokerBaazi.com itself, earning a career-best online cash of ₹17,12,000 in Jan 2023.

Also known for being one of India’s top player’s (Gaurav Sood) better half, Gutshot Magazine had a quick chat with Gunisha after this performance in G.O.A.T., to know about her preparation, how she achieved the result, and her overall goals in poker. Keep reading for the full conversation:

Gunisha, congrats on that performance G.O.A.T. How does it feel to make a deep run in such a prestigious event?

It feels incredible to make a deep run in one of the biggest events in Indian poker. It was a surreal feeling and took me some time to process it, being so close to the victory. But surprisingly enough, I was calm throughout the tournament and just took one hand at a time which worked really well for me.

Can you share insights into your strategy and preparation for this tournament?

I did not have a particular strategy in mind, but I surely wanted to stay adaptable and patient. With such a large field, I knew I’d face many different playing styles. So, I focussed on picking my spots and not getting too aggressive early on. I spent some time by going over my hand histories with Gaurav and analysing my past plays which prepared me the most to get into Day 2.

I think what contributed most to my success was discipline, sticking to my plan even when the stakes were high, and staying calm under pressure. Maintaining focus over long hours and making sure not to tilt after tough hands was crucial. I’d also like to give credit to Gaurav for keeping me grounded and being my biggest confidence booster as and when I was getting deep in the tournament.

With 15,000+ entries, the competition was intense. Any moment that stood out for you during the tournament?

So, there was a moment when around 500-odd people were left, and I had gotten down to 10BB where I was almost prepared that I can bust out of the tournament at any moment. But I guess the poker gods had something better in store for me. I won a crucial all-in with a slightly weaker hand. It was a nerve-wracking situation, but I got lucky, and it turned the tide in my favour. 

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ALSO READ: WPT India Online Series On PokerBaazi Features ₹35 Crore GTD

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What do you have to say about PokerBaazi as a platform?

Pokerbaazi.com is undisputedly the leading poker site in India at the moment. It’s commendable how they are rolling out updates one after the other to enhance their app and give players a better platform to showcase their skills. The platform is user-friendly, with a clean interface and smooth gameplay, which makes it easy to stay focused and fully engaged. One feature I really appreciate is the variety of tournaments and stakes, allowing players to find the right fit for their level and goals.

One thing that stood out for me specifically for G.O.A.T. was their structure for Day 2. It was different from the regular tournaments that happen every day which kind of gave ‘extra lives’ to the players in terms of their stack. 

Any challenges you’ve faced being a woman in this predominantly male-dominated industry?

Poker is definitely a male dominated industry but honestly, I have never faced any challenge being a woman player. I’ve focused on improving my skills and staying resilient, letting my performance speak for itself and have only received love and respect from fellow players. In fact, I have some of my closest friends from poker.

Being the Last Woman Standing in this event is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s not just a personal achievement, it’s a chance to inspire other women and show that we belong in this space just as much as anyone else. I hope it encourages others to follow their passions, no matter the obstacles.

What advice would you give to aspiring poker players, especially women?

My advice to aspiring poker players, especially women, is to believe in your skills and trust the process. Poker is a game of strategy, patience, and discipline, so focus on constantly learning and improving. Don’t be intimidated by the male-dominated environment. Embrace it as a chance to showcase your abilities. Surround yourself with supportive mentors, study the game, and don’t let setbacks discourage you.

For women, especially, remember that your perspective and style of play can be a unique asset. Stay confident, play smart, and remember that you absolutely deserve to be at the table.

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Post her performance in India’s biggest online poker tournament, Gunisha was seen in action at the DPT Grand 2024 live series in Goa’s Deltin Royale. We thank her for her time and wish her all the best for upcoming poker endeavours. Remember, don’t take her lightly if you ever come across this smiling poker player at the felts! For similar conversations with the top poker players in India, stay tuned to GutshotMagazine.com.  

 

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