The 9th of June 2022 was a special day for Deepak Raina, as that was the day(read the night) when he shipped the India Online Poker Championship (IOPC) June 2022 High roller. This Goa-based poker player pocketed over ₹20 Lakh in prize money for his stupendous play.
Raina has been in the industry for over 15 years and Pot-Limit Omaha was his forte until he tried his hand at other variants too. He belongs to that generation which started grinding on Zynga Poker, eventually aced the home games and finally started playing live tournaments and cash games in casinos.
He is a full-time poker player who grinds in many live events these days. Talking about shipping the Highroller, Raina added, “Surely, it is a great feeling as I don’t really play MTTs much but took a shot at some of the featured ones in the IOPC. It’s a special tournament, and to fight amongst the best in the business and emerge on top feels good.
Although he puts more volume into live events he occasionally grinds on Adda52 and Spartan Poker. Take a look at some of his online achievements:
Date | Prize Money | Platform | Tournament |
10-06-2022 | 20,65,416 | Spartan Poker | IOPC #57 – High Roller (1 Crore GTD) (6 Max – RE) |
14-05-2018 | 6,87,000 | Adda52 | Adda52 Millions – 6 Max |
30-05-2022 | 5,29,728 | Spartan Poker | Sunday Superstack – 25 Lacs GTD (IOPC Bubble – RE) |
23-04-2018 | 4,09,600 | Adda52 | Adda52 Millions – 6 Max |
03-02-2020 | 4,05,175 | Spartan Poker | IOPC |
25-05-2020 | 4,01,500 | Adda52 | Full House Finale |
22-10-2018 | 3,30,000 | Adda52 | Mega Suits |
17-01-2022 | 2,01,420 | Adda52 | Adda52 Millions |
We quizzed this poker veteran about spending a decade in the industry and how the dynamics have changed?
The game has evolved so much in these years. Now, you have to make a lot of adjustments to stay competitive. In the world of solvers, the edges are constantly reducing and things like discipline, volume and bankroll will give you results over a long period.
Where do you see yourself as a poker player in the next five years?
I am enjoying my current attention on live poker and intend to continue my focus there.. I think new and exciting things are taking place around us every day, and you need to be fleet-footed to come out of your comfort zone and make a switch if needed. I also have taken up new assignments in Goa in operating live games in casinos and would continue to engage in this field as it is something I find exciting.
Here’s a video of the player who hails from Srinagar. You see Raina talking about his victory and what’s coming next for him in an interview with Barney Trouble. after he shipped the Deltin Poker Tournament Feb 2022 15K Main Event:
If there is one change that you wish to bring about in the Indian poker circuit, what would it be?
Standardisation! Most platforms and operators seem to function in silos, and that’s not good for the industry in the long term. We must take measures as a community to protect the players’ interests at all times if we want this sport to keep growing. Raina’s growth trajectory in the industry is impeccable and provides a strong dose of inspiration to those looking to make it big in the poker industry as a pro.. We wish him the best and hope he crushes more titles in the coming days.
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Manthra Koliyer is a writer at Gutshot Magazine. She has an affinity for seeing the world through people’s eyes. With a bubbly fun personality, you can always catch her chatting with anyone she comes across. Holding an English Literature degree from Wilson College, Mumbai, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Asian College of Journalism, this pop culture fanatic is ready to take on the world with a pen, paper, and microphone. She also actively works on her personal blog called namasteyconvict.blogspot.com, where for a moment she lets you into her drama-filled world.
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