Poker as a Mind Sport: MP’s IITian Aditya Kesharwani Clinches First Bracelet and INR 15 Lakh Prize in The MoneyMaker Tournament

Hailing from Chakghat, Madhya Pradesh, 31-year-old Aditya Kesharwani has secured a career-defining victory by winning PokerBaazi’s prestigious "The MoneyMaker" tournament. Rising above a competitive field of over 1000 entries, the former IITian claimed his first marquee bracelet title and a prize of INR 15 Lakh.

Aditya’s journey is as much about personal discipline as it is about skill. Growing up in the small town of Chakghat in Madhya Pradesh, he was raised in a traditional household that recognised his academic brilliance early on. With limited educational resources locally, his parents made the life-changing decision to send him to a boarding school in Prayagraj. There, Aditya not only thrived academically but also emerged as a well-rounded sportsman - actively participating in football, table tennis, swimming, and yoga. This balance of intellect and athleticism laid the foundation for his future in Poker, a mind sport that demands both mental agility and emotional control.

His Poker journey began in 2017 during his final semester at IIT Kharagpur, where he pursued an Integrated M.Sc. in Mathematics & Computing. What started as a casual interest soon evolved into a serious pursuit, blending his analytical mindset with a family-rooted love for card games. After a stint at Goldman Sachs, he turned full-time pro in 2019, over time transitioning from cash games to online tournaments. His breakout moment came with a 4th place finish at EndBoss 2020. His recent win at The MoneyMaker further solidifies his rise in the Indian Poker circuit.

Throughout his evolution as a player, Aditya has trained under some of India’s best Poker minds, including his college senior, Vinayak Bajaj, and mentorship through the "Euphoria" program under Kanishka Samant, Sreekanth Narayan and Dhinesh Kumar. He credits the structured training, sportsman spirit, and deep-rooted love for mathematics as cornerstones of his Poker career.

Commenting on his achievement, Aditya stated,

“Winning The MoneyMaker isn’t just about the title or prize - it’s a reflection of the discipline, patience, and belief I’ve built over the years. This win is special because it reaffirms that consistent effort, even through uncertainty, eventually leads to clarity and success. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what lies ahead in this mind sport.”

With The MoneyMaker bracelet now to his name, Aditya is focused on evolving further as a professional Poker player, eyeing live tournament circuits with increased confidence. His journey serves as a powerful example for aspiring players across India, especially those from small towns, proving that with the right mindset and discipline, success in mind sports is well within reach.