An interview with Aditya 'Intervention' Agarwal - the poker king of India

Aditya Agarwal

Reinforcing India’s progress at the world of sports, Aditya Agarwal, has made a made a name for himself in the mind sport of poker after performing brilliantly in the World Series of Poker 2015.

The 30-year-old finished 71 out of 6,420 players, with net cash winnings of approximately $96,000.

Also known as “Intervention”, Agarwal is a member of Team PokerStars Pro. He is the top finisher from Asia, and has made 10 straight main event appearances at the World Series of Poker representing Team India. You can find this moneymaker playing online under the screen name ‘Adi Agarwal’.

Agarwal has cashed well in the World Series Main Event three consecutive times, including a top 100 finish in 2008, for $51,466. His other results include a deep run at EPT Barcelona in 2007 for $34,313, plus numerous wins and final table appearances in events across India.

Here is the man himself now, speaking about his journey and future plans.

1) When and how did you start playing poker?

2004, in my freshman year of college. I was an international student at Drexel University Philadelphia and learnt the game playing 5$ buying with my friends at the dorms. Chris money maker winning the WSOP was on TV the entire time that year which definitely played a big role in my early days.

2) Can you describe your journey with poker in a few words?

It's been amazing, there have been lot of ups and downs but I wouldn't change anything, Everything has been an amazing learning experience which never seems to end.

3) You are also the only Indian brand ambassador for a global online poker brand, what has that done for you?

Being associated with Poker Stars is amazing, everyone knows the pros representing the site and it's a great privilege to be representing them and India at the same time.

The ‘intervention’ in action

4) What do you think separates the WSOP from other events?

It's the biggest event in poker hands down, the field sizes, prize money and the glory just can't be compared to any other events

5) This was your 10th year at the WSOP, What’s surprised you the most about poker over the last ten years?

World Series is great; it's amazing how they have maintained their numbers over the years. It is also very well run considering the new things they try out each year and the sheer number of players playing.

6) What is the status of Poker in India?

Poker in India is in the process of being legalised and regulated, it has already been declared a game of skill in some

Courts in India opening doors for cardrooms in cities besides casinos. In coming years I feel a huge poker boom coming to India

7) What would you say to all the new players that are interested in the game?

Work hard and stay disciplined. It's important to learn the game before u start playing it. It's easy game to learn and very difficult to get great at.

8) What is your plan for the next few years?

I plan to play a lot of tournaments across Asia and WSOP each year, besides that I will be playing online from the comfort of my home. Lot of young Indian players look upto me so I would like to work hard and make everyone proud.

India now has a mentor fot this sport and we can look forward to more poker stars emerging from the country. Agarwal himself claims that he wants to use his role as an ambassador to promote poker in India, helping to establish the game as a professional sport across the country and inspiring the next generation of players.