Heads-Up With Dillan Patel: The British Indian Banker Who`s Breaking Stereotypes in Poker

Dillan Patel doesn’t fit the stereotypical image of a poker player. Picture this: a crisp London morning, the sun glinting off the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Inside a modern office tower, 28-year-old Patel, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, sips his coffee as he analyzes complex financial data, tracking down the intricate trails of financial crime as a Technology Manager for a major bank. He thrives in this world of logic and high stakes, where a single decimal point can make all the difference.

But when the workday ends and the city lights begin to twinkle, a transformation takes place. Patel trades his spreadsheets for stacked decks; his analytical mind is now focused on the intricate game of poker. He steps into the vibrant casinos of London – places like the Hippodrome, where he first felt the thrill of live poker at 19, and Aspers Casino in Stratford Westfield, which became his second home, a proving ground where he honed his skills and built his poker bankroll.

This budding star in the UK poker scene has been making waves with a string of solid results, mostly at Aspers Casino, but he’s also been making a name for himself on the international circuit. Most recently, he made a splash at the WPT Australia Championship, finishing sixth for a career-best A$120,694. With $165,281 in tracked live tournament winnings and a sharp mind honed at the prestigious London School of Economics, Patel is not just surviving but thriving amidst cutthroat competition.

It’s a journey that began with casual online games as a teenager, driven by a competitive spirit and a natural affinity for puzzles, and he has since come a long way. But it’s also a story of overcoming challenges, having faced prejudice as a British-Indian player (with family roots in Gujarat) in a predominantly white poker community. “There’s a stigma with Indian players, especially in a casino,” he shares. “We’re often seen as weak players and get bullied verbally and nonverbally. I’ve experienced it myself several times.”

Despite these obstacles, Patel is determined to prove that Indian players can compete at the highest level. “There are many Indians playing in the UK, but unfortunately, very few at a top level,” he says. “I hope I can help change that.”

But despite his growing success, Patel keeps his feet firmly on the ground. “I would love to pursue poker professionally,” he admits, “but I need to make sure I have other aspects of my life in order before making such a big commitment—a large enough bankroll, owning property, other income streams, that kind of thing.” This pragmatic approach, a hallmark of his personality, is evident both at the poker table and in his life.

Early Poker Journey: From Online Games to Live Tournaments

“I first came across poker when I was playing online computer games as a teenager and didn’t really understand what I was doing,” Patel recalls. Like many beginners, his initial forays into poker were casual, just another way to unwind after a long day of school and gaming. But something about the game’s blend of strategy, psychology, and calculated risk captivated him. As he delved deeper, studying the game and playing with friends, Patel’s casual interest transformed into a burning passion.

He vividly remembers his first real taste of live poker at age 19, during his university years. “My friends and I decided to go on a night out to the Hippodrome Casino in London,” he says, “which was my first visit to a casino ever, and I won £83 in a 10-minute session!”

The vibrant atmosphere, the clatter of chips, the focused intensity at the tables—it was a world away from online games, and he thrived in it. That first successful visit ignited a fire, leading him to the bustling Aspers Casino in Stratford Westfield, where he quickly became a regular.

“My first visit to Aspers was to play a regular £40 tournament, which I won,” he shares, a hint of pride in his voice. “And that really started my love for tournament poker.” Aspers became his second home, a proving ground where he honed his skills in both tournaments and cash games. Patel’s self-taught approach, coupled with his natural affinity for problem-solving, quickly translated into a growing poker bankroll.

But even with his growing success, Patel keeps his feet firmly on the ground. “I would love to pursue poker professionally,” he admits, “but I need to make sure I have other aspects of my life in order before making such a big commitment—a large enough bankroll, owning property, other income streams, that kind of thing.” This pragmatic approach, a hallmark of his personality, is evident both at the poker table and in his life.

Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Stereotypes

“There’s a stigma that Indian players are weak and easily bullied,” Patel reveals, his voice hardening as he recalls instances of verbal and non-verbal aggression he’s faced at the tables. “It’s as if they expect us to fold at the slightest raise.” But Patel, with the same determination he brings to the world of finance, refuses to be intimidated. He sees himself as a role model who can help pave the way for other Indian and young players to rise to the top together. “There are so many talented Indian players in the UK,” he says, “but very few at the highest level. I want to change that.”

Patel is, however, quick to clarify that the disturbances are occasional instances caused mainly by recreational players, and the regular players have never shown any verbal or non-verbal aggression towards Indian players. He believes that communities like PokerGuru can play a crucial role in supporting and promoting Indian poker talent, fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

A Strategic Approach to the Game:

“My entire poker knowledge to date has been self-taught,” Patel says, emphasizing his independent learning style. “I’m a quick learner and enjoy puzzles, so I have a strong set of problem-solving skills.” This analytical mindset, nurtured at the London School of Economics, gives him a distinct edge at the poker table.

In recent years, Patel has actively sought to learn from more experienced players, engaging in discussions, reviewing hands, and constantly refining his strategies. He’s also embraced online resources and apps, recognizing the value of continuous learning in a constantly evolving game.

WPT Australia: A Career-Defining Breakthrough

Patel’s dedication and strategic approach culminated in a defining moment: winning a package to play at WPT Australia through a £700 satellite at Aspers. “I’ve won a few packages before through live satellites,” he shares, “and the field was predominantly recreational players, so I felt very comfortable playing.”

But this was different. This was the WPT. To prepare, Patel took a strategic detour to Singapore. “I spent a few days there to relax before the tournament and to make sure I wasn’t jet-lagged,” he explains. This meticulous attention to detail highlights his commitment to maximizing his performance. He knew that a long, gruelling tournament like the WPT demanded patience, focus, and peak physical and mental condition.

“It was smooth sailing for the first two and a half days; my stack never went below average,” Patel recounts. He navigated the early stages with a deft touch, using his table image and controlled aggression to his advantage. But Day 3 brought a crucial turning point. With around 20 players remaining, he lost a massive pot with pocket kings against pocket queens. “I lost an all-in with KK against QQ, which would have put me in the chip lead had I won that pot,” he reflects, a hint of what might have been in his voice.

Despite this setback, Patel kept his cool, grinding a short stack to an impressive sixth-place finish. “From then on, I just managed to grind a short stack, get some ladders, and finish in sixth,” he says, demonstrating his maturity to make the most of even an adverse situation!

Looking Ahead

For Patel, the WPT Australia result was more than just a win; it was a validation of his hard work and dedication. “This result comes at an important time in my career,” he notes, “the money is a great boost as I look to my long-term future – invest in property, and so on.” He’s a man with a plan, balancing his poker aspirations with his financial goals.

While he remains committed to his career in finance, poker will undoubtedly continue to be a major part of his life. He’s eager to explore new opportunities, with aspirations of satellite entries into major tournaments around the world. “I was not previously aware of PokerGuru,” he says, “but after researching and connecting with their team, I understand their passion and dedication to support and promote poker and Indian poker players.”

When discussing his future in poker, Patel shares, “I’m considering coaching to elevate my game to the next level. I’m also interested in coaching young beginners and amateur players, helping them become consistent winners at the small stakes.”

With a strong work ethic, a strategic mind, and a supportive community behind him, Dillan Patel is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the future. As he continues to balance his career, life, and the cards dealt at the tables, we can`t wait to see what he achieves next!