[Interview] Abhishek Paul wins Somuchpoker Survivor $10,000 cash prize

During the 2023 WSOP Main Event, India’s Abhishek Paul outlasted the participants of the Somuchpoker Survivor Promo to win $10,000 in cold hard cash. On Day 5, after Filipino Cezar Quiambao was eliminated, Paul was neck and neck against Filipino William Ysmael . Ysmael exited in 624th place, Paul fell shortly after in 564th place for $32,500.

Abhishek Paul: Funny story, when only two of us were left, I was having food at the cafe and I had the patch on, Will saw it and came up to me saying “hey, you’re the other one left?” So that’s when I knew it was only between me and him. So when we went back to play, he saw where I was sitting. When he busted, he came up to me and said he busted. But I wasn’t sure if it was him so I asked you and you confirmed it.

SMP: Did it change your game?

Abhishek Paul: Definitely. There were certain spots where I could have gone in and I was already short stack during the last hour of the tournament. But the fact that I knew there was only me and Will, I waited it out until he goes, and it also helped me get ahead in the tournament. I was just trying to stay in the game, survive as long as I could. I had a deepstack earlier in Day 4 but then I played a hand wrong so I dropped to short stack. I was even down to 10 bb.

SMP: So how did it feel knowing you won it?

Abhishek Paul: I was thrilled, I was super happy. The whole fact that it helped me go ahead in the tournament. I needed to get this to get ahead. It was like beating 100 more players and go up around 3 pay jumps to $42,500. And it was also a tax jump! (laughs)

SMP: What do you think of the promo and would you participate again next year?

Abhishek Paul: One hundred percent all the time every time! The promo is awesome! I am so glad Somuchpoker offered me this. I cannot be thankful enough.