
Biography
Muskan Sethi is a very well-known name in the Indian poker community. She is renowned for participating in domestic and international tournaments, where she competes with top-tier players from around the globe. She is known as India's first female professional poker player. In January 2018, she was India's first female poker player to win the President’s “First Ladies" award. Here’s everything you need to know about India’s first woman poker player.
“The beauty of poker is that any amateur can play a round of poker with professional players and still have the same chance of winning or losing, unlike chess," – Muskan Seth.
Background
Muskan Sethi was born and raised in New Delhi, India. She developed an interest in games and strategy from a young age. Sethi initially pursued a career in fashion and modelling but later transitioned to poker, drawn by the strategic and competitive aspects of the game.
Muskan Sethi Poker Career
Sethi's poker career began in her early twenties when she played casually with friends. However, her passion for the game soon led her to take it more seriously. She honed her skills through practice and studying the game's strategies, eventually making a name for herself in India's growing poker circuit.
In 2014, Sethi made waves by qualifying for the Barcelona Poker Stars Shark Cage TV show, marking her entrance into the spotlight. Her first notable live achievement occurred later that year in June, when she finished 10th in the $235 NLH Ladies event, walking away with $435 in winnings.
Her poker career reached new heights when she landed a spot among prominent players competing for a $1 million prize on a nationally televised show in the United Kingdom. Sethi has winnings from the United States, Spain, the Netherlands, and England, adding to her winnings from India.
Quick Facts about Muskan Sethi
- She is India’s first woman poker player to be honoured with a National Award by the president.
- She has been ranked 30 on Pocketfive, a platform for the online poker community since 2005.
- She learnt poker mind tricks from a leading poker hypnotist through Skype.
- She said Phil Ivey inspired her to play poker.
- She is a social worker and has run campaigns for environmental cleanliness and women's empowerment.
Muskan Sethi Poker Rankings
Muskan Sethi currently holds the 2800th rank in India, with an all-time high of 56. Her largest cash prize is ₹7,67,467, contributing to a lifetime total of ₹1.17 Crore, alongside winning 16 titles.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Muskan Sethi has achieved several notable milestones and accolades:
- Sethi has represented India in numerous prestigious poker tournaments around the world. She has competed in events such as the World Series of Poker (WSOP), World Poker Tour (WPT), and Asian Poker Tour (APT).
- Sethi achieved her first live career title on December 26, 2018, when she won the 2018 GUKPT Boxing Day Special NLHE and secured £4,900 (₹4.34 Lakhs) in prize money.
- In 2019, she became a Responsible Gaming Ambassador for the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF).
- In 2019, Sethi made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a World Series Poker bracelet. She claimed victory in the $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em Ladies Event.
Muskan Sethi Biopic
IN10 Media Network’s production house, Juggernaut Productions, recently acquired the rights to her life story, and audiences can anticipate a biopic series centred around her.
Muskan’s Ride to Global Recognition
Muskan started playing free poker on Facebook and slowly improved her game. In 2014, she competed on a poker TV show called Shark Cage, which helped her gain recognition globally. Her success led her to become the brand ambassador for Poker Stars.
Muskan Sethi's Influence on Women in Indian Poker
One of Sethi's notable impacts on the poker community was her efforts to make the game more accessible to Indian women. As a trailblazer, she defied stereotypes and motivated other women to explore their poker interests. Sethi's commitment and success were crucial in challenging the idea that poker belonged predominantly to men.
Philanthropy
- Beyond her accomplishments at the poker table, Sethi is known for her advocacy work and philanthropic efforts. Additionally, Sethi supports various charitable causes, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game.
- She advocates for a more inclusive poker community where players of all backgrounds and identities feel welcome and supported. She encourages mutual respect and appreciation among players, regardless of gender or skill level.
Sethi spreads awareness about poker as a legitimate mind sport and challenges misconceptions about the game. She educates others about the strategic elements of poker and its potential benefits, both personally and professionally.
Strategy Tips from Muskan Sethi
- A player must train his mind to overcome challenges and maintain a calm and collected demeanour at the table. It is important to practice having a poker face to control your thoughts and emotions, which is crucial for success in the game.
- Poker is a mind sport that requires strategic thinking and decision-making skills. A player should approach the game with a mindset of continuous improvement and learning.
- It is important to familiarize yourself with the rules of poker. You must develop a solid understanding of the game's ins and outs to make informed decisions at the table.
- A player should continuously hone your skills through practice and experience. You must play regularly to learn different playing styles and strategies.
Muskan Sethi Net Worth
The actual value is unknown; however, her online winnings would be around 1.5 crore in INR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national award of Muskan Sethi?
Muskan Sethi received the National Award from former President of India Ram Nath Kovind in 2017, recognizing her contributions to the poker world and her efforts in promoting the game in India.
Has Muskan Sethi achieved success in international poker tournaments?
Yes, Muskan Sethi has succeeded in international poker tournaments, including cashing in the prestigious World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in 2018, solidifying her reputation as one of India's top players.
Has Muskan Sethi contributed to poker growth in India beyond her playing career?
Muskan Sethi is actively organizing and participating in poker events and initiatives to raise awareness and foster a positive poker culture in India. Her advocacy efforts have helped promote the game as a mind sport and break down barriers for women in the industry.
Conclusion
Muskan Sethi's perseverance, skill, and dedication have earned her recognition and success and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams in the game. As a trailblazer for women in poker and an ambassador for the sport, Sethi continues to drive positive change within the global poker community.