Ambassador of responsible gaming in India, Muskan Sethi has made waves in the poker world ever since she bagged 1 million at the TV show Shark Cage in Barcelona. Inheriting her love for poker from her own grandmother, Muskan quickly educated herself on the finer points of a game she still finds mesmerizing.

Muskan has since then been honored by the President of India with a ‘First Ladies’ award, celebrating her position as the country’s first female professional poker player. In a candid colloquy with PEAKLIFE, here’s Women’s Inspire Muskan Sethi turning heads on poker:

1.) How and where did your interest in Poker spark?

Poker found me at the age of eleven. My dad introduced me to the game. From a tender age, I am inclined towards mentally stimulating, strategic and competitive sports, especially card games. At twenty-one, I found Zynga poker! A few years later, I met the love of my life, who today is my husband; he introduced me to the world of real online poker.

I feel my turning point was when I was in the running for 1 million dollars on the Poker TV show, called Shark Cage. I was the loose cannon between the big pros on UK’s National TV. That experience changed the course of my life and made me take up poker seriously.

2.) Do you think poker is still a preliminary concept in India, or is it only getting bigger?

No, poker is getting huge. There are a lot of good players who are pursuing poker professionally and full time, they’ve been very successful at it because in this game, skill prevails over luck.

Online Poker is going to get bigger in India; a lot of women players are doing well. There is a lot of information, training material, and study groups within the community to help polish your skills. Poker will give you independence and keep your brain sharp. Poker skills can be transferred into life skills as well, and it teaches you a lot about survival and patience.

3. What kind of challenges did you face while establishing your name? How did you overcome those struggles?

The prominent challenge was being the first one itself because there was no one there before me in the country who has been a female professional poker player. The conservative ideologies and the perception of society, and unfortunately, just because poker is associated with cards, it’s ignorance to call it gambling.

I want to keep my promises made to my mother, who is my “Hero” and that keeps me going. I want to give back to society. I want to make a life, not a living. For me, it’s vital that whatever I do, I need to love it and give me 1000%. Being a professional poker player has been one of those things that have given me freedom and taught me to be honest. If you’re a good poker player, everything else will follow.

5.) You’ve also been titled India’s Responsible Gaming ambassador. Tell us a little about that.

All India Gaming Federation is an organization they have conferred upon me the title of India’s responsible gaming ambassador. And my role generally is to raise awareness amongst the players; we mutually work towards removing the stigma on poker. Poker should be respected as a mind sport. It is for everyone… working and retired professionals, women, businessmen, and the younger generation. Poker attracts people from all walks of life. Responsible gaming sets our foundation which is needed as early as possible.

6.) What would be your definition of an empowered woman?

For me, an empowered woman is a few things:
– Someone who is not intimidated by anyone nor does she estimates anyone
– Someone who cares about herself and those around her
– Someone who is free from the clutches of society and what people will think
– Someone who doesn’t choose between family and career but balances them together
– Someone who loves and appreciates herself and those around her, and is all of the above without expecting anything from anyone.
I think this is what all the women leaders and achievers should continue to focus on so that we can have solidarity towards a common goal of women empowerment in India.

7.) Lastly, any piece of advice for those venturing in the same sphere as you?

Yes. I would ask you to really work on your foundation and build a really strong base because that will define you as a player. Just work on things step by step. Poker is something you have to really focus on and you must watch as many videos as you can before you get a coach. Just try and grasp all the free information available in the public domain.

Do not risk a lot. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to approach me or anybody you feel would help you understand something, I am always there for anyone who wants any sort of guidance in terms of getting into poker or any other mind sport. Be happy, be empowered, and go get them!