Muskan Sethi, a 25-year-old only Indian first female Poker player, has broken all the stereotypes related to game and gender by taking up Poker on the professional front. Muskan is also widely known as “million dollar girl” in the arena of international Poker. Muskan also has an NGO in the name of her mother and an I phone app for dog lovers named “Doggydoo”. Muskan is an equal enthusiast of social work as she is of her game in which she has played many live games like the “Shark Cage Poker”.
1. At what point of time in life did you come to know about Poker as a game?
My childhood was not like a normal childhood. I actually grew up watching the game of Poker because my dad watched it on TV. I never watched cartoon-like a normal kid rather I watched Poker which I hated at that moment. Also, as a kid, I wanted to become a tennis player and not a Poker player.
2. When did you start playing poker for the first time?
It was at the age of 20 years that I started playing poker just for fun on facebook. But, as I gradually got well acquainted with I started liking the game. I think I am a natural player because at that moment also without any guidance I cleaned the table out whenever I sat and played. So, I took the game rather seriously thereafter and entered in a lot of online tournament. My idol Phil Ivey and Liv Boeree are also the reason of my playing the game.
3. Your mother too played a huge role accounting to your success in the field of Poker. Is it true?
Yes! My mother has been one of the biggest reason I started playing this game. My mother was my biggest support, she was the person who made me happy other than the game of Poker. My mother always wanted me to excel in the game. She passed away a little while back and I used the game to deviate myself from the sorrow of losing her and at the same time to fulfill her dream of me succeeding in the game. She always understood my passion for poker and used to say that I should follow it as long as it keeps me happy.
4. You have played in opposition to many well-known players around the world. How does it feel?
Well, I have played opposite to people who are best in the field. There is a rule in the game of poker that if you bluff the opposition you cage them. It felt amazing when I was introduced as the Indian girl fighting for one million dollars in front of the legends.
5. You are the only official female poker player in this country. How would you see the condition of women in India?
I ardently feel that no women should be dependent and there is not even a single field where women cannot excel or do better than men. But, compared to previous time is changing now, I am myself experiencing the change when people who were not too keen on playing with me now enjoy it. Now, I get a sense of equality, people judge me on the basis of my game and not my gender.
6. Which is the closest resembling game with poker in terms of luck and skills?
Poker resembles closest with chess and also on a mercantile frame with the stock market in terms of luck and skills. Poker has been defined as a dreamer’s sport largely. And there is a misconception among people that Poker merely depends on luck but to be true it is a perfect combination of luck and skills.
7. Compare the treatment of “Poker” as a game in India and abroad based on your experience.
Unlike India, people are very welcoming abroad. There is a larger acceptance of Poker as a sport in foreign countries. But, India is making a good change in accepting the game now as many mediums are promoting the game on day to day basis. This game has taken to me various places, naming a few like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Prague etc.
Muskan’s article by India Today.
Muskan’s article by Poker News
