Surinder Sunar

Surinder Sunar was born in Dhianpur, India, in 1959 and emigrated to England, where he has become a stalwart of the British poker scene for decades. He now resides in Wolverhampton and has earned a reputation as a formidable presence in both live tournaments and high-stakes cash games. His consistent success has made him one of the most respected figures in European poker, though he has maintained a relatively low public profile.

Sunar's crowning achievement came in 2004 at the World Poker Tour Grand Prix de Paris, held at the Aviation Club de France. The €10,000 buy-in event attracted 205 entrants, and Sunar navigated a difficult field to reach the final table. There he faced the notoriously aggressive and outspoken Tony G, who finished as runner-up, as well as Dave Colclough in sixth place. Sunar eventually triumphed, taking the first-place prize of €679,860, which equated to roughly $828,956 at the time. That remains the largest cash of his career and established him as a major force on the international tournament circuit.

The final table was notable not only for the quality of play but also for the psychological battle between Sunar and Tony G. Known for his relentless trash talk, Tony G had successfully rattled many opponents, but he found Sunar immovable. Sunar’s calmness and steely determination proved impossible to penetrate, and he maintained his focus to close out the title.

Sunar has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the World Series of Poker, even though a bracelet has eluded him. As of 2008, he had reached eleven final tables in WSOP bracelet events, a remarkable feat of consistency at the game’s highest level. One notable deep run came in 2006, when he was photographed on Day 3 of the WSOP Main Event, indicating a strong showing in the game’s most prestigious tournament. Despite his repeated deep runs and final-table appearances, the elusive WSOP title has never come his way, and Sunar has acknowledged that he can see himself retiring from poker in a few years.

Sunar is widely regarded as a solid, patient player who excels at exploiting opponents in deep-stacked tournament play. His victory in Paris showcased disciplined decision-making under pressure, and his ability to remain composed against aggressive table talk became a hallmark of his game. Colleagues and rivals alike view him as one of the most feared and respected players of his generation, capable of adapting to both no-limit hold'em and mixed game formats.

Sunar's live tournament earnings total $4,687,445 as of December 2025, with 219 recorded cashes. His most recent cash at that time was a modest $352 on December 12, 2025, demonstrating that he continues to compete. He ranks 21st on the England all-time money list, and his career total has long since surpassed the $4 million milestone. Alongside his WPT title, Sunar's legacy is defined by his longevity, his calm demeanor in high-pressure situations, and his enduring presence on the British and European poker circuits.