IIT Pokerbots2027 is in the making.
About the 2026 Edition
IIT Pokerbots is the pan-IIT algorithmic poker and strategy competition focused on probabilistic reasoning, game theory, and algorithmic decision-making. Teams designed and deployed fully autonomous pokerbots that competed against one another in a custom poker variant, simulating strategic decision-making under uncertainty.
Over 2,000 participants registered, running their bots through a week of round-the-clock automated matchmaking before the top 25 teams flew in to IIT Madras for an in-person finals weekend: presentations, a valedictory ceremony, and a flagship live poker tournament that brought the whole community together on the felt.
Title Sponsor
Jane Street is a global proprietary trading firm recognized for its quantitative approach, strong engineering culture, and rigorous analytical standards. Operating across multiple asset classes worldwide, Jane Street actively supports initiatives that encourage deep problem-solving and strategic thinking.
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By the Numbers
Seven days of sustained, automated matchmaking at a scale we're still a little proud of.
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Registrations
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In-Person Finalist Teams
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Days of Non-Stop Competition
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Total Matches Played
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Hands of Poker Dealt
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Matches per Day
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Matches per Hour
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Avg. Matches per Bot
2026 Champions
Out of 25 in-person finalist teams, three walked away with the trophy.
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Anikesh Agarwal & Dhruv Aggarwal
Notato
Anant Jain & Sparsh
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Om Kulkarni & Sanat Garyali
Moments from 2026
Late-night debugging, last-minute strategy pivots, the presentations that decided it all, and our flagship live poker night, where humans took the felt alongside the bots.
FAQ
Is registration open right now?
The 2026 edition has wrapped and registrations are closed. We're building the 2027 edition next. Follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn to be first to know when applications open.
How many members were allowed in a team?
Participation was solo or in teams of 2 members.
Who could participate?
Undergraduate students from IITM, IITB, IITD, IITK, IITR, IITKGP, IITG, IITBHU, IITH, IITI.
Was travel and accommodation covered for finals?
Yes, travel by flight and accommodation for all 25 in-person finalist teams was fully covered by the IIT Pokerbots team.
Were cross-IIT teams allowed?
No, students from 2 different IITs could not team up together.
What language were bots built in?
The 2026 edition allowed only Python.
What happened at the finals?
The top 25 teams presented their bots' strategies in person at IIT Madras, followed by a valedictory and awards ceremony, plus a flagship live poker tournament for everyone to enjoy alongside the bot finals.