New Delhi: The National Poker Series India (NPS) 2025, hosted on PokerBaazi, concluded its fifth season with a spectacular ‘Night of Glory’ ceremony, celebrating the nation’s top poker talent and solidifying poker’s status as a premier mind sport. The event, held after a thrilling 29-day series from February 23rd to March 24th, saw cricketing icon Shikhar Dhawan grace the occasion, adding a touch of stardom to the celebration.
This year’s NPS India witnessed unprecedented participation, with over six lakh (600,000+) entries, making it the most competitive edition to date. Out of the vast pool of participants, only 573 players secured podium positions, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals, and sharing a staggering prize pool exceeding INR 108 Crore.
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Shikhar Dhawan, known for his strategic approach to cricket, drew parallels between poker and cricket, emphasizing the importance of skill, strategy, and mental resilience. His presence at the event underscored poker’s growing recognition as a legitimate mind sport in India, aligning with its official status under the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA).
The series crowned Bhanu Prakash KC from Karnataka as the leader of both the India Leaderboard and Series Leaderboard, solidifying his position as the nation’s top poker player. In the highly anticipated Main Event, Delhi’s Bhavye Mittal clinched the gold medal and a prize of INR 94.26 lakh, while Dhruvin Kothari from Gujarat and Pratik Manjrekar from Maharashtra secured silver and bronze, respectively.
Looking ahead, the National Poker Champion Showdown is set to take center stage in Goa from April 13th to 17th. This inaugural event will feature the top 12 state toppers from NPS 2025, competing in a high-stakes final. Adding to the thrill, the winner will unlock an exclusive INR 1 crore freeroll for players from their state, further amplifying the excitement for future editions. The National Poker Champion Showdown will be broadcasted on a popular OTT platform.
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Navkiran Singh, Founder & CEO of Baazi Games, expressed his enthusiasm for the series’ success, stating, “National Poker Series India 2025 has set new benchmarks, showcasing the depth of talent and competitive spirit in Indian Poker. With the introduction of the National Poker Champion Showdown, this edition has been truly historic. The Night of Glory was a grand tribute to our winners, inspiring countless aspiring players across the country. As poker continues to gain recognition as a mind sport, we remain committed to fostering a thriving community and taking Indian Poker to new heights.”
The ‘Night of Glory’ event was a memorable celebration, featuring electrifying performances by stand-up comedian Gaurav Kapoor, Jazz-Rock band Submarine in Space, and DJ Sukhbir, adding to the festive atmosphere. The National Poker Series India 2025 has once again solidified its position as India’s premier poker destination, providing a competitive platform that continues to redefine the sport for a new generation of enthusiasts.
