With so many exciting poker series lined up, we need no proof of how big the multi-table tournament (MTT) scene in India is getting day by day. Naturally, the number of players in the fraternity is also increasing. The players who are rising in the Indian poker scene are proving that the game is for anyone with the right skills and mindset.
We spoke to an engineer-turned-professional poker player and now a coach, Mithun Mahesh to know from him who are the best poker players in India. The Kerala-based player has been a part of the poker scene since 2009. His growth from a recreational player to a pro and now a coach has been incredibly inspiring.
Mithun Mahesh is a professional poker player who has carved a name for himself in the Indian poker fraternity with his passion and hard work for the game of skill. He was a civil engineer employed in infrastructural works such as building roadways, dams and more before he switched to playing poker professionally in 2018.
Popularly known as ‘Poker Raja,’ Mahesh has several online poker titles to his name, which includes an Asian Poker Tour (APT) Online Highroller title, along with several other featured titles like The Summit, Legend among others. He was last seen grinding live at India Poker Championship (IPC) Megastacks May 2022. He was also seen at Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT) in 2019 and 2022..
With over a decade-long presence in the scene, Mahesh himself is one of India’s top MTT players. We asked him about his favourite MTT poker players in the country, and he shared his top picks.
Anuj Yadav
Mahesh picks Anuj Yadav and describes him as ‘Mr. Driven.’ Mahesh further adds that, Yadav’s biggest strength is his mindset. “He is very determined and focused. I feel he always thinks very deeply and is determined to take the most realistic decisions. He might not be a theoretical wizard, but he is a genius in taking people out of theory and putting them in uncomfortable nodes. Something I see chess world champion Magnus Carlsen do very often, and a skill which I’m also actively working on,” he says.
Yadav truly is one of the most promising names in the Indian poker circuit. He has time and again proven his skill and talent by delivering some notable results on the virtual felts. He is yet to ship a live title, but looking at his growth, it won’t take long before we see Yadav triumph on the live poker felts too.
Gaurav Sood
Mahesh then chooses Gaurav Sood, saying he’s simply ‘Mr. Perfect.’ The Ratnagiri resident believes that Sood’s biggest strength is his consistency in routines. He further adds that APPT title holder is the perfect example that a balanced life is possible in poker, and that is something all poker players could learn from him. Additionally, Sood is theoretically sound and practical, has a primed mindset, and is humble and helpful.
By now, we, too, agree that Sood is undoubtedly one of the best MTT poker players in India. Every pro we spoke to so far has picked Gaurav Sood as their favourite player.
Vishal Bajaj
Mahesh thinks Vishal Bajaj is a theoretical genius. According to him, Bajaj’s biggest strength is his theoretical knowledge. “No one plays better theoretical poker in India than him, in my opinion. Vishal is someone I have spent most of my poker time with. He has always pushed me to excel on and off the tables. We keep challenging each other’s poker philosophies and approaches and keep giving each other a reality check in pursuit of the true equilibrium of the game. He’s the most logical mind I’ve ever come across and is super competitive,” adds Mahesh.
Bajaj, too, is one of the brightest names in the country currently, with consistent online results. The crusher’s humility and constant results speak for himself why he is considered one of the country’s best.
Kartik Ved
Mahesh saves the best for the last as he says, “A special mention as the best live MTT poker player in the country would be Kartik Ved. This guy had solved poker before the solvers took over. His live poker approach is top-notch; he factors every single possible information available to make the best decision.” Taking a fun take on Ved’s famous screen name ‘TheInternetKid’ Mahesh adds, “An internet kid but has grandfather’s experience.”
Ved needs no introduction. He is India’s only World Series of Poker (WSOP) Online bracelet winner for a reason. His passion and command over the game show in his impressive online and live felts.
Mahesh indeed has picked names which are not debatable for the top MTT poker players in India. What do you think of his top four favourites? Let us know in the comments below. You can also share your top picks with us. Till we come back with another top MTT players article, stay tuned to Gutshot Magazine.
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Amarylisa Gonsalves is a Content Writer at Gutshot Magazine. Advancing from a marketing background, she found her calling in writing. She takes delight in exploring genres and is a curious learner. Patient and ambivert, she believes in letting her work speak for itself. Apart from content writing, she finds solace in writing poetry by expressing herself through words. Additionally, she adores indulging in anything that satisfies her creative self, like drawing and DIY crafts.
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