#14: Beyond the Felt: The Impact of Women in Indian Poker 👑👩‍🎓

#14: Beyond the Felt: The Impact of Women in Indian Poker👑♠️

While the sound of stacking up chips and the thrill of a well-played hand often dominate poker narratives, we’re going to today talk about the true impact women have had in our Indian poker industry, extending far beyond the green felts. Their influence, though sometimes subtle, is reshaping the landscape for us, fostering inclusion, and driving growth in ways that are both profound and enduring.

It's no secret that poker, globally and in India, remains a male-dominated arena. While precise figures may not be available, we can estimate that female participation in Indian will be a low, single-digit percentage. Yet, despite these pathetic numbers, the contributions of women are significant, acting as a catalyst for positive change in India.

One crucial area of impact lies in community building and mentorship. Our leading female players are increasingly forming networks, both online and offline, creating safe and supportive spaces for aspiring women. These communities provide vital resources, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, addressing the often-intimidating atmosphere that can deter newcomer female players. This fosters a welcoming environment, breaking barriers and encouraging more women's participation in the game.

Secondly, women are playing a pivotal role in shaping the perception of poker. Paint a picture to any of the elders in your society or colony involving 10 men playing a card game. Immediately, you’ll hear words like ‘Juaa’ or ‘Betting’ or ‘Gambling’ or ‘Adda’ being used. By showing up and doing well in poker events in India, these female players are challenging the outdated stereotypes that have long plagued the game. Their presence helps shift the narrative from one of chance and recklessness to one of intellect and calculated risk. This in turn makes the game more appealing to a broader audience, vital for mainstream acceptance of the game in India.

In India, we've witnessed remarkable results from female players who are not only excelling at the tables but also inspiring a new generation. Figures like Nikita Luther, a WSOP gold bracelet winner, and Muskan Sethi, India's first female professional poker player, have become role models, demonstrating that success in poker is attainable for women. Apart from them, others who have done well in tournament poker include Minissha Lamba, Kanchan Sharma, Shuchi Chamaria, Niharika Bindra, Maria Kirloskar, Akanksha Singh, Pratibha Arya, and others.

The impact on content creation and marketing is also undeniable. Female poker players are becoming influential voices in the industry, producing engaging content that resonates with a wider audience. From live streams and podcasts to written articles and social media posts, they are sharing their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, attracting new players and fostering a more inclusive online community. Everyone tunes in for BerryLime’s poker tournament streams, and more recently, Nikita Luther featured in the iconic women’s podcast:

Moreover, Indian female players are increasingly making their mark on the global stage. Their participation in international tournaments and online platforms is not only showcasing their skill but also contributing to the growing recognition of Indian poker on a global scale. This international exposure is attracting attention and investment, further fueling the growth of the industry.

Beyond the spotlight, women are also making a difference in the administrative and operational aspects of the poker industry. From organizing events and managing poker rooms to developing marketing strategies and advocating for responsible gaming, they are bringing valuable skills and perspectives to the table. This behind-the-scenes work is essential for the sustainable growth and professionalization of the Indian poker ecosystem.

In conclusion, the impact of women in Indian poker goes far beyond their performance at the tables. Their contributions to community building, perception shaping, content creation, and industry development are creating a more inclusive and vibrant poker landscape. However, there are still only 2 women in the top 100 of India’s all-time money list on Hendon Mob. We wish all these trailblazing women a very Happy Women’s Day and hope they keep inspiring thousands and lakhs of others across the country!

GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK!

Gutshot Magazine is on the journey of continuous growth and innovation. For that, we’ve rolled out a reader’s feedback survey which we ask you to fill in your free time. It should approximately take 5-6 minutes of your time. We want to hear your ideas in helping our platform grow, and those who share the most insightful feedback will be rewarded with some freebies too!

FREE TICKETS!

Didn’t enjoy today’s newsletter?
Here’s your chance to contribute! Name any woman you think is a massive contributor to Indian poker? Share your thoughts, and 2 lucky winners will get free tickets worth ₹1,500 each to the Shark Attack ₹5 Lakh GTD on 9th March at 7.30 PM on A23 Poker. Reply with your answers! 🎉🃏

We want to hear from you and what topics you want us to cover in future newsletters from Gutshot. So reply to this email and let us know what you think. And for similar stories and updates from around the Indian poker community, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter. See you and take care!