The Global Poker Index (GPI) unveiled its 2024 Player of the Year winners on January 6. The highlight for India? Santhosh Suvarna’s stellar year, capped off with 3,145.42 points, cementing his place at the top of the GPI India rankings.
Santhosh Suvarna: The King of Indian Poker in 2024
Santhosh Suvarna was the undeniable star of the Indian poker circuit in 2024. From securing his first European Poker Tour (EPT) title to grabbing his second WSOP bracelet in the jaw-dropping $250K Super High Roller for $5.415 million, Suvarna’s year was nothing short of legendary. He stormed through tournaments worldwide, reaching multiple final tables and making deep runs in high-stakes events.
By mid-2024, Suvarna climbed to the top of India’s all-time money list—a position he never relinquished. Santhosh Suvarna’s live tournament earnings are nothing short of extraordinary, exceeding $15 million (₹129 Crores), with an impressive $8.40 million ( ₹71.70 Crores) coming from 25 cashes in 2024 alone..
His dominance left no room for Ankit Ahuja, who had been eyeing a record-setting third GPI (India) Player of the Year title. Despite his own stellar performances, Ahuja ended in second place with 2,565.90 points. Meanwhile, WSOP bracelet winner Abhinav Iyer secured the third spot with 2,086.44 points, followed by Nishant Sharma and Kunal Patni in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Top 5 GPI PoY (India) Results
- Santhosh Suvarna – 3,145.42
- Ankit Ahuja – 2,565.90
- Abhinav Iyer – 2,086.44
- Nishant Sharma – 2,057.28
- Kunal Patni – 1,862.12
Global Highlights: David Coleman Takes the Crown
On the international stage, New Jersey’s David Coleman claimed the prestigious GPI Player of the Year title with 4,383.70 points, narrowly edging out Jesse Lonis and Adrian Mateos. Coleman’s career-defining year featured over $5.20 million in live tournament earnings, including standout performances like his $730,300 win at the WPT Alpha8 Trifecta and a sixth-place finish in the WSOP Paradise $100K Triton Main Event for $890,000.
Coleman also earned the GPI PoY title for North America, solidifying his status as one of the best players in the game.
2024 GPI Global PoY Results
- David Coleman – 4,383.70
- Jesse Lonis – 4,374.38
- Adrian Mateos – 4,312.44
- Ren Lin – 4,074.93
- Michael Watson – 4,026.29
Cherish Andrews Reclaims Female GPI PoY Title
In the female division, Cherish Andrews regained her crown, defeating Kristen Foxen in a fiercely contested race. Andrews closed the year with 3,115.65 points, nearly 100 points ahead of Foxen. Her standout achievements included a WSOP Circuit ring win at Harrah’s Cherokee and a career-best $829,863 in live earnings.
This marks Andrews’ second Female GPI Player of the Year title, her first since 2022, further solidifying her place among poker’s elite.
2024 Female GPI PoY Results
- Cherish Andrews – 3,115.65
- Kristen Foxen – 2,916.13
- Victoria Livschitz – 2,649.56
- Rania Nasreddine – 2,541.39
- Maria Konnikova – 2,266.71
Han Feng Dominates Mid-Major PoY
In the GPI Mid-Major PoY race, Han Feng from San Antonio emerged victorious with 3,014.45 points. Feng’s year was marked by wins at the Champions Club Fall Poker Open, the WSOPC Tulsa Main Event, and the Moneymaker Poker Tour Houston Main Event.
2024 GPI Mid-Major PoY Results
- Han Feng – 3,014.45
- Cherish Andrews – 2,845.53
- Luis Yepez – 2,603.67
- Steve Yea – 2,597.25
- Hugues Girard – 2,566.00
India’s Poker Star Shines Globally
Santhosh Suvarna’s record-breaking run in 2024 has raised the bar for Indian poker. From topping the country’s money list to dominating the GPI rankings, Suvarna has set a new benchmark for excellence. His performance has not only made him a household name in India but also positioned him as a rising star on the global stage.
As we look ahead to 2025, all eyes will be on Suvarna and his quest for even greater achievements. Whether it’s a Global Poker Award or another major title, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come for India’s poker superstar.