Raghav Ananth

Member Since May 30, 2025

How did you venture into the online gaming space? Which online games do you play regularly? What gaming platforms do you primarily use? (PC, console, mobile) How many hours do you typically spend gaming each week?

Got into online poker in 2019 September after coming runners up in Final Table Series on Spartan for 4.8L. That gave me the freedom and courage to pursue this beautiful game as a full time venture. I play online poker primarily but I have played online games like Call Of Duty and Counter Strike all my life. The gaming platforms I use right now are PokerBaazi, PokerStars, Spartan Poker, Adda52, Pocket52 and Natural8 India and I play mainly on my PC. I spend around 50 hours a week on online poker and it is my profession.

For how many years have you been playing online games?

5 years

What are your educational qualifications?

BBA from SRM University

What skills do you think are required to play online games?

Decision making, emotional intelligence and awareness, discipline and a growth mindset.

Does playing online game form part of your daily life? is it a part of your livelihood?

Playing online poker is my main source of livelihood for the past 5 years.

What are your preferred kind of online games? What factors do you consider before putting money into any online game?

I only play online poker. Factors that I consider before putting in money into any online game are my bankroll and risk appetite.

What skills are required to succeed in an online gaming tournament?

Skills required are discipline, growth mindset, a love for the game and grit.

Have you ever experienced financial fraud or scams related to online gaming? What measures do you think should be implemented to prevent financial exploitation in online gaming?

I have not experienced firsthand but there are many such cases nationwide. The measures to be taken to prevent this is mainly developing awareness among the common public and improved security measures.

Community Engagement: Do you actively participate in gaming communities or forums? How important do you think community engagement is for the online gaming community?

I do actively participated and am a part of PokerBootcamp India where I was initially a student and now a coach to teach young budding minds how to go about the game. Community engagement is vital as online gaming can get lonely at times and it's always important to have like minded people and colleagues to help you on your journey.

What do you think about addiction and dependency on online gaming?

It's very real and I see many people getting subconsciously addicted or dependent due to the lack of awareness of the nature of the game and how it can keep you wanting more. It's important to educate the common public and help them see how this can be a sport.

Are you aware of the existing laws and regulations related to online gaming in your country? Do you think there should be more regulations to protect gamers' rights and safety online?

I am aware. There should definitely be more regulations to protect gamers' rights and safety online. We are a growing community, paying taxes and contributing to the economy so it's important that we do have an agency to govern these aspiring individuals.

If there is one thing about the online gaming industry you can convey to the government, what would it be?

We are aspiring individuals who pay heavy taxes and can't offset any of our expenses because of online poker coming under gambling. This needs to be changed as poker globally is considered a mind sport just like chess and it's time it starts getting the recognition it deserves because it is not at all easy to pursue this full time.

Are there any tournaments you have won or gaming achievements you would like to share with us?

3 bronze medals and 1 silver medal at PokerBaazi's NPS 2025. For Spartan, I am a 1 time IOPC medal holder, 2 time FTS medal holder and over 5Cr in total winnings in online MTTs. And this is just the start 😁

Raghav Ananth

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