PokerBaazi, India’s largest online poker platform, has been announced as the title sponsor for the seventh season of the Poker Sports League (PSL). According to the company, the partnership “marks a new chapter in poker’s evolution, expanding its reach and solidifying its place as a game of skill, strategy and mental agility.”
The announcement comes on the heels of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) officially recognizing poker as a mind sport by 2024, alongside the likes of chess and esports.
While many still disagree with the view that poker is a game of skill, this recognition further validates poker as a game that requires strategic depth, mental toughness and analytical thinking.
Elevating Poker as a Competitive Sport
PokerBaazi is a thriving online poker community with over 4.5 million users and has played a major role in making online poker more accessible and promoting the competitive scene in India.
This partnership with PSL is expected to expand poker’s reach and provide Indian players with more opportunities to compete professionally.
Recognized as the most-watched poker league in the world, PSL has played a vital role in driving the popularity of poker as a structured sport. The sixth season of PSL set a new record of 22.6 million views on the JioCinema streaming platform, demonstrating the growing interest in competitive poker. With the seventh season expanding to eight participating teams, the league aims to push the boundaries of competition and enhance audience engagement by integrating influencers and more professional players.
Industry leaders comment on the partnership
Pranav Bagai, CEO and co-founder of the Poker Sports League, called the partnership a “turning point for Indian poker”.
“With PokerBaazi’s expertise in the poker space and PSL’s proven track record in providing world-class poker entertainment, we are poised to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights.”
Navkiran Singh, founder and CEO of Baazi Games, also agreed, highlighting the league’s impact.
“PSL’s unique and engaging format has created love for the league among the Indian poker community. This partnership will help create awareness for the sport in our country and we are excited to be a part of it.”
Zero Entry Fee
One of the highlights of the PSL is its free-to-enter structure, which enables aspiring players from all backgrounds to showcase their skills at the highest level. With a remarkable record of new player registrations, PSL continues to redefine poker as a legitimate intellectual sport that combines skill, strategic thinking and mental stamina.
The last season’s prize pool was a whopping Rs 20 crore ($240,000), cementing PSL’s reputation as the world’s premier poker league. With PokerBaazi as the title sponsor, the seventh season promises to be even bigger, with details on the tournament format, prize pool and qualification process expected to be revealed soon.
Poker’s Rising Status in India
This partnership is a major step towards further mainstreaming poker as a skill-based sport in India. Despite the industry’s challenges with regulation, high taxes and more, initiatives like PSL and partnerships with major platforms like PokerBaazi are helping to reshape public perception and strengthen the legitimacy of the sport.
