Forget the serene lakes and palaces of Udaipur for a moment – there’s a new force of nature emerging from this historic city. Meet our latest Young Gun, Ashwin Vijayvergiya, the 25-year-old poker whiz kid who’s turning the online poker world on its head. With over ₹5.91 Crores in tracked online winnings and a jaw-dropping ₹2.34 Crores in profit, Vijayvergiya is proving that age is just a number when it comes to conquering the felt.
This year has been particularly explosive for him, with earnings already surpassing ₹2.32 Crores, placing him firmly in the top 15 of the Player of the Year race. At this rate, who knows what he’ll achieve by the year’s end?
Watch the full interview here:
From College Fest to Crushing the Competition
Vijayvergiya’s journey to poker stardom started in an unlikely place: a college fest. Imagine a casual poker game, a bunch of college kids, and one guy who barely knows the rules. That was Vijayvergiya, a B.Tech student just six years ago. And guess what? He ended up taking third place! This ignited a passion that would change his life forever.
“I didn’t even know the basics of the game,” Vijayvergiya admits with a chuckle, “but somehow, I came third. That’s when I knew I had to learn more.”
That unexpected success lit a fire under Vijayvergiya. He embarked on a self-directed learning spree. YouTube tutorials and online courses like Run It Once became his mentors, shaping his understanding of the game and laying the groundwork for the incredible success he’s enjoying today.
Crushing the Online Tables
Vijayvergiya’s big break came last October when he conquered Spartan Poker’s Legend Poker Series Main Event, walking away with over ₹30 Lakhs. That victory opened the floodgates, and he went on to score a series of seven-figure wins in major tournaments like PokerBaazi’s IPM#100 Grand Master and Spartan Poker’s Millionaire VI.
“It was a fantastic moment for me. When I was playing, it felt like any other day. But after winning, it certainly helped boost my bankroll,” Vijayvergiya recalls, “And winning titles or trophies always makes you feel good.”
The Lone Wolf Who Conquered Poker
What makes Vijayvergiya truly unique is his independent spirit. While many players seek guidance from coaches and ‘poker circles,’ Vijayvergiya prefers to blaze his own trail. He’s a self-made poker machine, relying on his own analysis, software tools, and an insatiable thirst for improvement. This year, he took the plunge and turned pro, a decision validated by his 25 titles and over ₹2 Crores in winnings.
“I have been playing recreationally for five years, but I turned professional this year. So, during that time, I did work on my gameplay to improve myself. I’ve always been a bit of an independent learner,” Vijayvergiya explains. “I study on my own and use some software tools for guidance. But I study daily to keep improving my gameplay.”
He’s also a big fan of poker legend Patrick Leonard, taking his courses and constantly refining his skills. Vijayvergiya is a true student of the game, meticulously analyzing his opponents and adapting his strategy on the fly. “I study the strategies that need to be implemented based on the player type that I am playing against,” he shares. “I also study the notes that I make on other players, and that also helps me improve my game.”
A Family United by Poker
Unlike many young players who face opposition from their families, Vijayvergiya has a strong support system cheering him on. His mother and brother are also poker enthusiasts, creating a unique bond within the family.
“Most of my family plays poker. My mother and brother also play poker,” Vijayvergiya says with a smile. “After they saw how passionate I was about poker, how hard I was working to improve my game, they helped me a lot to be even better, and represent my country in international tournaments.”
While he’s happy to offer guidance, Vijayvergiya prefers they learn on their own. “I don’t give too much advice to my mother and brother because I want them to improve independently. But I do help them decide what ranges they should play,” he says.
Bankroll Management: Playing the Long Game
Vijayvergiya is a firm believer in responsible bankroll management. He carefully plans his tournament schedule, uses satellites to enter bigger events, and manages his finances with a maturity that belies his age.
“Before playing a series, I do pre-decide how many bullets I am going to fire in a tournament. I play a lot of satellites as well,” Vijayvergiya emphasizes. “In the case of high rollers with a ₹50,000-₹60,000 buy-in, I decide beforehand if I’m going to fire one or two bullets. Winning a satellite seat helps me adjust my bullets accordingly.”
From Online Grind to Live Action
While Vijayvergiya has mainly focused on online poker, he’s also making his mark on the live circuit. He’s had impressive results in tournaments across Vietnam (USOP Da Nang), Malaysia (Poker Dream 9), and Goa (DPT). He recognizes the value of live play in understanding player tells and intends to increase his live volume, and the USOP Hai Phong was his next target.
“Live poker is great for poker players. I started playing live this year. I’ve been to Malaysia, Vietnam, and DPT (Goa). I’ve made some final tables, which has been really good for me. In the future, I plan to play more live poker as it helps you understand player tells better,” he shares.
While prepping for last month`s USOP Hai Phong, Vijayvergiya discussed his method of preparation, saying, “I’ve been reviewing my past hand histories in preparation for the USOP. Based on my performance in Vietnam, I’m feeling confident about this one.”
His recent performance at the USOP Hai Phong speaks volumes about his dedication. He emerged as the most consistent Indian player in the series, notching up six deep runs and total winnings of VN₫ 244.10 Million (~₹8.28 Lakhs).
The Ultimate Goal: WSOP Glory
Vijayvergiya has his sights set on the biggest stage in poker: the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. “My goal is to play poker in Las Vegas, especially to play at the WSOP and win a bracelet. I would love to hear our national anthem play at the WSOP bracelet ceremony after I win the bracelet,” he says.
Words of Wisdom For Aspiring Players
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Vijayvergiya has some sage advice: Invest in coaching, courses, and solvers. The more you study, the better you’ll become.
“My advice to players new to poker would be that they should concentrate on studying the game more rather than putting in more volume. Studying is going to be a huge help to them.”
A Star on the Rise
Ashwin Vijayvergiya’s story is an inspiration to anyone with a dream and the drive to achieve it. With his dedication, discipline, and impressive track record, he’s a shining example of what’s possible in the world of poker. With his skills sharpened and his goals set, this Young Gun is on track to carve out a lasting legacy.
So, keep your eyes on Vijayvergiya—he’s just getting started!