Online Poker Tournaments in India and Worldwide

Poker tournaments in India and worldwide are becoming top attractions for players looking to compete, win big, and sharpen their skills. From the India Poker Championship (IPC) and online series to global giants like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and European Poker Tour (EPT), these events bring serious excitement. Along the way, players develop focus, discipline, and strategic thinking.

This article will guide you through various poker tournaments in India, providing insights into tournament structures, entry fees, formats, and more. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, a tournament exists for you.

Ready to explore the most significant events? Discover the best poker tournaments and what makes them worth the play.

What is a Poker Tournament?

A poker tournament is a grand event where you compete against other players to win the prize pool. You will get a fixed number of chips; your goal is to accumulate as many chips as possible.

You will enter the tournament by paying the buy-in and win by accumulating more chips.

Biggest Poker Tournaments In India

Here are some of the biggest poker tournaments in India:

1. Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT)

Deltin Poker Tournament (DPT), sponsored by Adda52, is a poker extravaganza that draws players nationwide. Known for its opulent settings aboard the Deltin Royale, this tournament series elevates the poker experience to new heights, blending skill and glamour in a riveting showcase.

2. World Poker Tour (WPT) India

World Poker Tour (WPT) India is synonymous with world-class poker. It offers a stage for players to prove their mettle and claim victory in the global poker arena. This major event attracts international players and local poker enthusiasts alike.

3. Adda52 Champions League (ACL)

The Adda52 Champions League is a battle royale where poker teams compete for supremacy. With strategic gameplay and intense rivalries, ACL showcases the companionship and competitive spirit that define the poker community, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts.

4. Adda52 Online Poker Series (AOPS)

The Adda52 Online Poker Series, or AOPS, brings the thrill of poker to the digital realm. With a distinct range of tournaments catering to various skill levels, AOPS is a testament to Adda52's commitment to providing an inclusive and exciting poker experience for players across India.

5. Adda52 Millions

Adda52 Millions is a high-stakes tournament that attracts seasoned players aiming for the ultimate prize. With a massive prize pool and a challenging field, this event showcases the pinnacle of skill and strategy, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the Indian poker calendar.

6. Big Whale 50L

Adda52 launched this tournament on September 3rd, 2024. With a GTD of 50 Lacs, the tournament started with a freeroll tournament that gave tickets to Big Whale Satty. You could play the step satellite with the ticket and win a ticket to the Satellite.

7. Masterminds Arena

The tournament is as it sounds, with a massive 1.5 GTD. It had four featured tournaments: MMA 10 Lac Highroller, 35L MMA Main Event, MMA 5 Lac Mini HR 6-Max, and MMA PLO Highroller 6-Max. The tournament is a high-stakes tournament that attracts seasoned players aiming for the ultimate prize.

8. Weekend Aces Rally

WAR is a thrilling concept in which you play for a guaranteed prize pool of ₹2.5 Lakh. The buy-ins start at ₹35 and go up to ₹120, making it accessible to many players. To make the competition fierce throughout the weekend, there’s an exciting ₹10K leaderboard.

9. GOAT Poker Tournament

PokerBaazi’s GOAT is the ultimate battleground. The tournament has a massive ₹25 crore GTD and ₹5 crore for the first champions. It was launched in September 2022 with the acronym “Greatest Of All Tournaments.” Thousands of poker enthusiasts joined to celebrate this massive tournament and its winner.

10. India Poker Championship

The Indian Poker Championship is the longest-standing live tournament series. It started when the India Poker Series (IPS) was the sole live poker series. The tournament made its debut at Casino Royale, Goa.

11. National Poker Series (NPS)

The National Poker Series announced on 26 January 2020, is a national-level poker tournament series for low, and mid-stakes players organised by PokerBaazi. This five-event series had buy-ins starting at ₹4,000 and going up to ₹25,000. The highlight of the NPS tourney was the ₹15 crore cash prize across 64 tournaments.

12. World Poker Tour (WPT) India

WPT collaborated with Adda52 first in 2017. The game was hosted at Deltin Royale Casino in Goa from November 7 to 13, 2017. The tournament was hyped as they announced the first-ever Indian player of the year.

Best Poker Tournaments Around the World

1. World Series of Poker (WSOP)

The World Series of Poker is among the world's most popular and highly anticipated poker tournaments. Players from various countries gather yearly to compete in different poker games. The event's highlight is winning the coveted WSOP bracelet, a prestigious prize that signifies poker excellence. This event attracts numerous players of all levels, from amateurs to professionals, offering various games and stakes, making it a global spectacle in the poker community.

In 2019, the World Series of Poker, which took place in Las Vegas, had a prize pool of $80,548,600. The player who won the tournament got $10 million in cash and a bracelet. This bracelet is a symbol that indicates they are the world champion in poker, essentially the best poker player in the world at that time.

The World Series of Poker is hosted by:

• WSOP Las Vegas
• WSOP Europe Circuit
• WSOP U.S Circuit
• WSOP International Circuit
• WSOP Online Poker

2. World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP)

The World Championship of Online Poker is a massive event for poker players worldwide that happens online. This tournament series sponsored by Poker Stars includes several poker variants and formats, including Limit, Pot-Limit, and no-limit poker. The WCOOP is known for its large cash prizes, attracting professional players and amateurs dreaming of hitting it big. WCOOP is the online version of the World Series of Poker, offering a global stage for players to present their skills and compete for impressive titles and rewards.

3. Triton Super High Roller Series

The Triton Super High Roller Series is a collection of poker tournaments that stands out for its very high entry costs, attracting some of the wealthiest amateur players and most skilled professional poker players worldwide. These tournaments are known for their large cash prizes. They occur in luxurious locations, making the events not just about the competition but also about experiencing high-end poker-playing environments. The series has earned immense popularity for its extreme action, high stakes, and the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in poker battle it out at the tables. This year’s prize pool of the Triton Million poker event was $65,660,000, and the winner was awarded $33,100,000.

4. Big One for One Drop

The Big One for One Drop is one of the most renowned poker tournaments in the world, known for its remarkably high buy-in fee and a portion of that fee being donated to charity. This tournament stands out because it focuses on creating a positive impact: a portion of each player's entry fee goes to the One Drop Foundation, providing access to safe water worldwide. This tournament draws some of the best poker players and wealthiest amateurs looking to compete at a high level while contributing to an important cause. It is about winning big in poker and making a big difference.

5. European Poker Tour

The European Poker Tour is a poker tournament series that started in 2004. The tournament gave worldwide recognition to Texas Holdem. Since 2011, PokerStars has sponsored the EPT. The buy-in for most EPT was increased to €8,000. Due to COVID, three EPT schedules were cancelled, and the team ultimately shifted to online. The first online series took place on PokerStars.

6. Asian Poker Tour

The first Asian Poker Tour was held at Casino Royale from 8th November to 14th November 2011. The second and third editions were held from  May 21 to 27, 2012 and December 3 to 9, 201,2, respectively.

7. Poker Superstars

The Poker Superstar Invitational tournament was a no-limit Texas Holdem series. The first season was aired on Fox Sports Net in the United States, Rogers Sportsnet in Canada and Ftn in the United Kingdom. Season 1 had eight players, and the buy-in was $40,000, a considerable amount. Season 2 had 24 players with the same buy-in, and season three had 24 players with a buy-in of $50,000 each.

The tournament launched its two computer games, which were made for the first two seasons.

8. U.S. Poker Open

The U.S. Poker Open is a high-stakes tournament that launched in 2018. It occurs at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In Addition to the main event, the player who collects the most points wins $50,000. The first season took place in February 2018.

List of Biggest Poker Tournament Worldwide

Upcoming Major Poker Tournaments Worldwide 2025

Different Kinds of Top Online Poker Tournaments in India

Here's a list of online poker tournaments:

Freeroll tournaments

Freeroll tournaments allow players to join without paying any entry fee, but they still offer real cash prizes or tickets to other events. Since there’s no cost to enter, these games are open to everyone, including beginners who are still learning the game or anyone who wants to play without spending.

The poker platform usually sponsors the prize pool, using these tournaments to attract new players and keep existing ones engaged. Because they are free, many players participate, making the field competitive.

Featured tournaments

Featured tournaments are high-stakes poker events that the poker platforms organize for players. These games often have bigger prize

pools, unique formats, and better rewards than regular tournaments.

They are usually held on weekends or during special series. The idea is to allow players to win more and enjoy exciting rewards.

Guaranteed tournaments

Guaranteed tournaments offer a fixed prize pool, which is announced before the game starts. It means the platform guarantees the total prize money, even if not enough players join to cover it through entry fees.

For example, if a tournament has a ₹5 lakh guarantee but collects only ₹3 lakh from entries, the poker site adds the remaining ₹2 lakh. The prize pool becomes bigger if more players join and the total buy-ins exceed the guaranteed amount.

Satellite tournaments

Satellite tournaments are small buy-in games, allowing players to win seats in bigger, high-entry poker tournaments. Instead of playing for cash prizes, these tournaments offer tickets to major tournaments, which usually have much higher buy-ins.

For example, a player might pay ₹200 to enter a satellite and win a seat in a ₹5,000 or ₹10,000 buy-in event. It helps players with a small bankroll play in high-stakes events.

Re-entry Tournaments

In a re-entry poker tournament, if players lose all their chips, they can pay the entry fee again and rejoin the tournament as a new entry. This option is available only during a fixed time called the late registration period.

Each re-entry gives a fresh stack of chips and a new seat at the table, just like joining the tournament for the first time. Players can re-enter multiple times, depending on the rules.

Re-entry tournaments are one of the most exciting formats in online poker. They are especially popular among Indian poker players as they offer another chance to compete and bigger prize pools.

Sit and Go

A sit-and-go (SNG) poker tournament starts as soon as all the seats at the table are occupied. There’s no scheduled time. The game begins automatically when the required number of players joins, usually between 6 and 10 players.

Each player pays a fixed buy-in and gets an equal stack of chips. The tournament continues until one player wins all the chips or until the top few finishers are decided, depending on the prize structure.

These short, fast-paced games require low to medium buy-ins and are ideal for quick mobile play. Indian platforms like Adda52, Spartan Poker, and PokerBaazi offer Sit and Go tables throughout the day.

Flights

Flight tournaments are significant poker events played in parts called “flights.” Each flight is like a separate starting round. Players can join one or more flights to try and qualify for the final stage.

In each flight, players aim to survive till the end. If a player finishes a flight with chips, they move to the final round with those chips. All qualifiers from different flights compete for the prize pool.

These tournaments provide players flexibility to choose when to play and a better chance to build a strong chip lead.

Bounty

In a bounty tournament, a player earns money by finishing in the top spots and knocking out other players. Every player has a fixed bounty. When a player eliminates another player, they instantly win their bounty as a cash reward.

A part of their buy-in goes to the prize pool, and the rest becomes their bounty. Some bounty tournaments are Progressive Knockouts, where the bounty keeps increasing as they knock out more players.

These tournaments are popular in India as they offer quick rewards and more action at the tables.      

Progressive Bounty

In Progressive Bounty tournaments, each player begins with a bounty amount. When a player eliminates an opponent, they receive a portion of that opponent’s bounty as cash, while the remaining part is added to their bounty. 

As a player knocks out more opponents, their bounty increases, making them a larger target for others at the table.

Turbo

Turbo tournaments are a faster version of regular poker tournaments. They move more rapidly because the blind levels go up quickly. Players have less time to wait and are forced to make decisions faster. 

These games usually end sooner than regular tournaments, which makes them a good option for players who want shorter, high-action games.

Hyper Turbo

Hyper Turbo tournaments are even faster than Turbo tournaments. The blind levels increase very quickly—often every 2 to 3 minutes. Players have little time to build a stack, so the action starts early and moves fast.

These games are short, intense, and usually end in a much shorter time. Players often take more risks because the rising blinds don’t allow much time to wait for strong hands.

Indian Poker Tournament Formats

Rebuy Tournament

Rebuy Tournaments allow participants to repurchase chips within a specified time if they run out during play. There are two types:

• Limited Rebuy: Players can only repurchase chips a limited number of times according to the tournament rules.
• Unlimited Rebuy: Players can repurchase an unlimited number of times during the rebuy period.

Freeze-out Tournament

This format does not allow players to rebuy. Participants pay the buy-in to enter the tournament with a stack of chips and exit the game when they lose all their chips.

Re-Entry Tournament

Players can re-enter the tournament after being eliminated, but only during the late registration period.

Satellite Tournament

Participants can join satellite tournaments to win entry tickets for major online or offline tournaments. Almost all poker websites frequently host satellite tournaments where players compete to win entry tickets for various large poker tournaments.

Tips to Boost Your Winning Chances in Online Poker Tournaments

Here are some valuable tips that will be helpful to improve your chances of winning in poker tournaments online:

• Start Small: Start with lower-stakes tournaments to familiarise yourself with the format without risking a large portion of your bankroll.
• Play Tight but Aggressive: Be selective with the hands you play, but bet aggressively when you have a strong hand. This strategy can help you accumulate chips in the early phases.
• Study Your Opponents: Pay attention to your opponents' betting patterns and playing style. Try to figure out what type of hands they could be playing. This information is crucial in making informed decisions.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Only play tournaments within your budget. It will allow you to play your best game without the stress of losing money you can't afford to.
• Stay Patient: Tournaments can be lengthy. Patience is necessary; waiting for strong hands before making big moves is often a wise strategy.
• Focus on Survival: In the tournament's later stages, focus on surviving to the next round. Avoid unnecessary risks that could take you out of the game.
• Keep Practicing: Like any other skill, getting better at poker tournaments requires practice. Play as many tournaments as possible, learn from your mistakes, and constantly look for ways to improve your game.

Benefits of Playing Online Poker Tournaments

The benefits of playing free online poker tournaments are as follows:

• Bigger Prize Pools: Online poker tournaments offer massive prize pools because they can accommodate more participants than physical events.
• Lower Costs: The entry fees for online tournaments can be lower than those in live settings.
• Bonuses and Rewards: Many online platforms offer bonuses, rewards, and loyalty points that can benefit players, improving their overall experience and providing additional value.
• Fast-paced: Online poker tournaments are usually faster-paced than live ones, so players can play more games in a shorter time.
• Flexibility: Players can access tournaments from anywhere at any time without travelling to a physical location. Players can choose tournaments based on their schedule, with multiple events running throughout the day and night.

Best Poker Games You Can Play Online

You can play several games online; here’s a list of a few of them.

• Cash Games: Engage in intense Cash Games like Texas Hold'em and PLO variants - PLO 5 and PLO6.
• Online Tournament: Dive into competitive Online Tournaments, including Freeroll, Satellite, and Guaranteed events.
• Sit & Go: Need a quick poker fix? Explore the Sit & Go option.

How Does A Poker Tournament Entry Fee or Buy-In Work?

In poker tournaments, the buy-in is the entry fee players must pay to participate, contributing to the overall prize pool. This amount varies based on the tournament's format and stakes.

Rebuys and add-ons may be allowed, offering players additional chips or a chance to recover. Some tournaments may include a separate registration fee.

Satellite tournaments provide entry to higher-stakes events at a lower cost.

A clear grasp of these elements is vital for players navigating the tournament dynamics.

How Is A Poker Tournament Set Up?

Most poker platforms organise tournaments in various formats with tournament structures like freezeouts, rebuys, and satellites. Players can register for tournaments through the website or mobile app. Tournaments feature diverse buy-ins, ensuring accessibility for all skill levels.

Additionally, some host special events and championships, adding excitement and variety to the poker experience. The platform's commitment to customer satisfaction and fair play enhances the tournament experience.

Poker Tournaments Structure

Poker tournaments on platforms typically follow a structured format. Players start with a fixed quantity of tournament chips, and blinds (forced bets) increase at set intervals. The tournament progresses through stages, influencing players' strategies.

As blinds escalate, participants adapt and make strategic moves to accumulate chips. Tournaments often incorporate different formats like Freezeouts and Rebuys.

Payout Structure

• Poker tournaments generally have a predetermined payout structure, specifying how the prize pool will be distributed among the top finishers.
• The payout structure is segmented according to the number of participants, with a progressive pattern where higher percentages are awarded to top finishers.
• Understanding the payout structure empowers players to strategise their gameplay effectively.

Here is an example of how payout structures are given out in online poker tournaments.

How to read the payout chart for poker tournaments?

• The payout structure is segmented according to the number of participants in the tournament.
• Place represents the final position or rank achieved by players in the tournament.
• Percentage payout indicates the proportion of the total prize pool allocated to each position. Notably, the structure is progressive, with higher percentages awarded to top finishers.
• The payout structure generally follows a progressive pattern, where the winner receives a substantial percentage, and the percentages gradually decrease for lower-ranking positions.

How Are Poker Tournaments Different from Cash Games?

In poker tournaments, players buy a set amount of chips and compete to survive and advance through levels, aiming to outlast opponents and win prizes.

Players use real money in cash games, and chips represent their cash value.

Tournaments have fixed blinds and increasing levels, while cash games offer more flexibility.

What Are Blind Levels in A Poker Tournament?

Blind levels in a poker tournament are set time intervals where players must contribute mandatory bets called blinds. Blinds increase gradually to escalate the game's excitement and force players into action.

As blinds go up, players must adapt their strategies, making it crucial to accumulate chips to stay competitive.

Mistakes to Avoid While Playing Online Poker Tournaments

Here are some mistakes players make that you can avoid while playing online poker tournaments:

• Most players played too many hands and called for unnecessary losses.
• Always pay attention to your opponents. The hand they are playing, the card they discard, their actions, everything.
• Always be patient and keep calm. Players usually lose control and make irrational decisions after a loss called ‘Going on Tilt’.
• Bluffing is a good strategy, but too much bluffing can lead to loss. Analyse your cards before bluffing.

Prize Money in Online Poker Tournaments

The tournament prize money is predetermined and differs from tournament to tournament. Some events have a guaranteed prize pool, assuring you will win something. The amount can range from a thousand to crores.

How to Qualify for Major Poker Tournaments?

Direct Buy-Ins

Direct buy-ins mean players pay the full entry fee upfront to join a major poker tournament. Instead of qualifying through smaller games, the player simply registers by paying a specific amount.

It is the simplest way to join without winning a seat through other tournaments.

Several online poker platforms in India provide direct buy-ins for their significant events, making it convenient for players who are set to compete at a higher level.

Online Qualifiers

Online qualifiers are smaller tournaments or games in which players compete for an opportunity to join bigger poker events. Instead of paying the full entry fee, players can win their spot by doing well in these qualifying rounds.

This method helps players with less money join big events by earning their place through skill and competition. Many Indian poker sites use online qualifiers to give more players a fair chance to participate in major tournaments.

Satellite Events

Satellite events are smaller poker tournaments that allow players to win entry into bigger, high-stakes tournaments. Instead of playing for cash, players compete to win a seat in a major event.

Many Indian poker sites use satellite events to help more players qualify for their top tournaments, especially during festival series or special promotions.

Live Casino Promotions

Some poker platforms offer live casino promotions, where players can earn a spot in big tournaments by playing certain games, such as roulette, blackjack, or other live casino tables.

It’s a way for casino players to switch to poker and get a chance to play in large tournaments without paying the full entry fee.

Sponsorships and Special Invites

Some players get free entry into big poker tournaments through sponsorships or personal invites. It usually happens when a player has shown promising results, has a strong presence in the poker scene, or brings attention to the game.

A poker platform might pay the entry fee for a player it wants to support. Sometimes, players are invited to attend significant events during special promotions or as guests.

It’s a way for well-known or promising players to participate in major tournaments without spending money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I participate in a poker tournament in India?

Join a reputable online poker platform, create an account, and navigate to the tournament lobby to register for your desired event.

Which is the largest online poker tournament in India?

India's largest online poker tournament may vary, but platforms like Adda52.com often host major events with substantial prize pools.

Which is the best poker site in India?

Consider factors like user experience, game variety, and promotions. Adda52.com is widely regarded as one of the best poker sites in India.

How do you win poker tournaments?

Improve your skills through practice, study strategy, maintain discipline, and stay adaptable to varying game dynamics to enhance your chances of winning tournaments.

When do you ‘call clock’ in a poker tournament?

You ‘call clock’ in a poker tournament if any player takes too much time to decide, prompting a time limit for them to act. 

When does a poker tournament begin?

A poker tournament begins at a scheduled time once all participants have paid the entry fee and are ready to compete.

How is the winner of a poker tournament declared?

The winner of a poker tournament is the remaining player left with chips after all the other players run out of their chips.

When is the final Prize Pool established?

The final prize pool is established after the registration closes and all players' buy-ins have been collected.

Conclusion

Poker tournaments are a great way to showcase your skills and experience the thrill of the game. From India’s DPT and GOAT to global tournaments like the WSOP, these tournaments cater to all types of players. Formats like freezeouts, rebuys, and satellites diversify the opportunities. So, what are you waiting for? Go to an authorised website, register and start playing.