Back in the early 2010s, India’s live poker scene was just beginning to find its footing. The launch of the India Poker Championship (IPC) helped spark interest, especially among younger players eager to test their skills. But as poker began gaining traction, there was still a major gap in the industry: no platform existed that truly celebrated Indian poker players or kept the community updated with the latest news and happenings
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This gap is what inspired the creation of Gutshot Magazine. Peter Abraham, Editor-in-Chief, recalls, “When we first started, there was a noticeable void. Indian players and tournaments were barely represented in the global conversation about poker.” Gutshot was born out of the desire to fill that gap, to shine a spotlight on India’s growing poker scene, and to give local players the recognition they deserved.
At the very beginning, Gutshot was introduced as a small booklet with news and tournament information for all the events in any particular IPC live series, which was mostly hosted in Goa, India. Over the years, the brand evolved and led to the launch of www.GutshotMagazine.com, which grew to be more than just a news outlet.
It quickly became the go-to platform for poker enthusiasts, offering inspiration and celebrating the accomplishments of local players, along with legal and industry updates from around the country. “The journey wasn’t just about creating a website or magazine. It was about inspiring people to take poker seriously and showing them what was possible,” Abraham explains. Over time, Gutshot helped elevate many players, some of whom went on to achieve success in international tournaments—proof that the platform was truly nurturing India’s poker community.
As the years went by, Gutshot’s coverage expanded beyond poker to include the larger world of real money gaming. “Poker was just the beginning. The gaming ecosystem in India was evolving, and we wanted to evolve with it,” says Abraham. This shift allowed Gutshot to become a well-rounded authority in the gaming industry while still staying true to its roots of supporting local players and growing the industry.
As the digital world started to take over, Gutshot made a smooth transition from print to online media. While the physical magazine was cherished by many, it became clear that the future lay in the digital space. “The digital shift wasn’t just a necessity—it was a step toward meeting the changing needs of our audience,” he says. A few years after the print version re-launched, the website became the main hub of Gutshot, offering up-to-date news, insights, and tournament details for poker and real money gaming fans.
Even as the digital platform grew, the print magazine still holds a special place in the hearts of many in the gaming community. “The print version is something special. It’s not just a magazine; it’s a symbol of the journey our players are on,” Abraham notes. “For some, it’s even helped with securing visas for international tournaments or simply preserved memories of their gaming experiences.
A big part of Gutshot’s success has been its ability to build a strong, engaged community. The platform has always focused on more than just delivering news—it’s about creating a space where players feel heard and valued. From interactive Q&As to behind-the-scenes looks at major tournaments, Gutshot has always prioritised staying connected with its audience. “It’s all about creating a space where the community feels connected and invested,” Peter shares. “We’ve never been just a magazine—we’re a hub where players, enthusiasts, and experts come together to learn and grow.”
Gutshot has also made waves with campaigns like #PokerVerse, which helped create an online buzz and further connected the community. The platform’s dedication to its audience is clear through its regular giveaways, which offer prizes like tournament tickets and exclusive deals, adding more value for players.
Looking back, Gutshot’s journey from a niche poker magazine to a leading voice in India’s gaming world is a true reflection of its ability to adapt. “The world of gaming is constantly changing, and we’ve always been committed to evolving with it,” Peter says. Today, Gutshot isn’t just leading India’s gaming scene—it’s helping shape its future.
“For those players who haven’t yet reached the heights that most professional players aim to soar, we have regular behind-the-scenes glimpses and coverage from the big, live poker tournaments. To add to this is a regular stream of freebies and deals for these users, in the form of vouchers, poker tournament tickets, and more. Most importantly, we’ve prioritised trust over everything else, and that’s been key to creating this loyal and engaged community Gutshot has today,” said Dwayne Fernandes, Gutshot Magazine Business Head.
The story of Gutshot is far from over. With a foundation built on trust, authenticity, and innovation, the future looks incredibly bright. What lies ahead for Gutshot? We’ll just have to wait and see—but one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be exciting. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come.
