About Sarang Ahuja - Sarang Ahuja

Sarang Ahuja

Poker

Sarang Ahuja is a poker player from Baltimore, Maryland currently residing in Houston, Texas. He has competed and placed highly in several events around the country. Sarang began playing poker in 2005, but first came on the tournament scene in 2009, when he participated in the 40th Annual World Series of Poker. Sarang competed in the No-Limit Hold’em (Event 7) where the buy in was $1,500. The event took place in the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The stage was set with over 2,700 entrants and a prize pool of just over $3.8 million. Sarang Ahuja played extremely well and after a strong showing over 3 days, finished 31st, cashing out at more than $15,000.

The following year Sarang Ahuja competed in the 41st Annual World Series of Poker in a familiar place, at the Rio. Sarang entered Event 5, which had a $1,500 buy-in, 2092 entrants and a prize pool of over $2.8 million. Ahuja continued his strong performance of the previous year and, after showing his talent, left the tournament in 34th place with over $12,000. Aside from the World Series of Poker, Sarang Ahuja has competed in many other tournaments across the country, including most recently the Philly Poker Main Event, where he placed in 28th place. In 2014, Sarang Ahuja looks forward to returning to Las Vegas for the 45th Annual World Series of Poker and getting back on track with intentions of making another deep run.
Sarang Ahuja has played in many poker tournaments all over the country. Check out highlights in his career by clicking here.

The following is an excerpt from a Poker Town News interview with Sarang Ahuja.

Poker Town News Interview with Sarang Ahuja

How did you get started playing poker?

While I had always been interested in games of chance, I had never really played poker until a Super Bowl party at a friend’s house in Fort Lauderdale in January of 2004. Shortly thereafter, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino opened in Fort Lauderdale. At the time, they did not have true no-limit cash game poker. Due to this, I quickly became intrigued by tournament play.

What makes playing poker so important to you?

Playing poker is important to me for many reasons. Some of these include the simple idea that it is a release for me in the sense that when I sit down at a poker table, what else is going on in the world or in my life at that time doesn’t matter for a little while and I am able to focus on the game. That said, I’d have to say the number one reason poker is important to me is the challenge. Playing poker makes me think. Sitting a table with several opponents around, there is much more to the game than just the statistics or the chance. The game is all about out-maneuvering your opponents.

What interests you about poker?

Growing up, I was always an extremely analytical person and truly enjoy statistics and math. That said, I’ve also always been a fan of strategy and gamesmanship. Poker combines all of these things, so it is almost natural that I enjoy the game. That said, the potential to profit from something you enjoy is always a plus!

What was the most fulfilling moment you had playing poker?

The most fulfilling moment for me playing poker was both an exciting/fulfilling moment, as well as a giant disappointment. It was June 4, 2009. Day 3 of a $1500 WSOP NLH Event. We were down to 3 tables and 29 players remaining. I ended up all in with an opponent who had gotten extremely lucky and caught a 2 outter (only 2 cards in the deck could improve his hand over mine). That said, I was knocked out in 28th place. As I left the table, disappointment had set in and I was feeling like I got the short end of the stick. However, after being paid my winnings and realizing that I had outlasted some 2700+ other opponents to come in 28th, I had a sense of accomplishment.

Outside of his poker career, Sarang Ahuja is a dedicated financial professional. Ever since he was a child, he displayed a strong interest in math. Upon graduating high school, he had already completed two internships at financial firms. From then, Sarang went on to attend Florida State University, earning his degree in finance, and his Master’s in finance from FSU’s Warrington College of Business Administration. He believes that finance is necessary to the success of any organization, and has worked for a myriad of businesses over the course of his career. His belief in taking calculated risks and discovering patterns applies in both his financial and poker careers.

Sarang Ahuja currently works as a Senior Manager US Commercial Operations at TC Energy in Houston, Texas.