The World Poker Tour (WPT) has officially partnered with PokerBaazi, marking a significant development in the Indian online poker landscape. This collaboration is set to provide Indian poker players unprecedented access to the global poker community, including opportunities to participate in WPT’s renowned international events.
Strategic expansion into India:
Adam Pliska, CEO of WPT, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are proud to partner with PokerBaazi and expand our presence in India, adding to the WPT Global player base. India is a fast-growing market for poker, and through this collaboration, we look forward to nurturing new talent and giving Indian players a pathway to poker stardom.”
This partnership means that PokerBaazi will host real-money WPT tournaments online, allowing local players to engage in high-stakes games from their homes. Moreover, online satellite tournaments will be available, offering players chances to win exclusive packages to participate in live WPT events worldwide.
As Inside Asian Gaming reports, Navkiran Singh, Founder & CEO of Baazi Games, shared his excitement about the collaboration: “We are excited to join forces with the World Poker Tour and expand further in bringing an elite poker experience to our players in India. This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing the best opportunities and platforms for Indian players to excel on both national and global stages.”
PokerBaazi, a leader in the Indian online poker sector, hosts some of the largest national poker tournaments, such as the G.O.A.T, National Poker Series India, and Indian Poker Masters, which have significantly contributed to its robust player base and industry stature.
Growth and investment:
The strategic significance of this partnership is underscored by recent movements within the industry, including a substantial investment from Nazara Technologies, which acquired a 47.7% stake in Moonshine Technology, PokerBaazi’s parent company. This investment of over ₹981 Crores, including ₹150 Crores in primary capital, is poised to further fuel PokerBaazi’s growth.
According to The Economic Times, Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies, commented on the investment, “This investment in Moonshine Technology represents a significant step in our journey to strengthen Nazara’s position as India’s dominant diversified gaming platform. PokerBaazi has not only emerged as the undisputed leader in online poker gaming in India but has also set new standards in user engagement, innovation, and overall experience.”
The WPT and PokerBaazi partnership is more than just a business deal; it’s a gateway for Indian players to make their mark on the global stage. The collaboration is expected to bring more than just world-class poker games to India—it’s set to transform the very fabric of the Indian poker community, offering a platform for players to rise to international fame.