Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.

Updated: 2025.12.17

Brett Bader is an American professional poker player and multiple World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring winner, best known for his dominant performances in the Florida poker scene and consistent deep runs in mid-to-high stakes tournaments across the United States.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Brett Bader has accumulated total live earnings of $2,188,551. A prolific grinder with over a decade of results, his standout performance came at the WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Cherokee in August 2022. There, he topped a record-breaking field of 1,558 entries in the $1,700 Main Event to capture his third career circuit ring and a career-best score of $364,104.

Bader has also found significant success on the World Poker Tour (WPT) and local Florida circuits. In 2022, he won a WPT Tampa side event for $60,440. Another major six-figure highlight in his career was a 5th place finish at the WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open Championship in 2018, where he cashed for $137,440.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Manhattan, New York, and currently residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Bader is a staple of the American East Coast poker community. He built his reputation grinding the competitive Florida tournament circuit, frequently cashing at venues like the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood and Tampa.

While he is most associated with No Limit Hold’em, Bader has demonstrated significant versatility in his game selection. His resume includes a WSOP Circuit ring in Pot Limit Omaha 8 or Better (PLO8), which he won in Pompano Beach in October 2024, proving his ability to compete at a high level in mixed game formats. His consistency is evidenced by his ability to close out tournaments, with multiple victories in events ranging from the Escalator Series to the Moneymaker Poker Tour.

Play Style & Strategy

Bader is known for his ability to navigate massive fields, a skill essential for success in the large-entry tournaments typical of the Florida and WSOP Circuit schedules. His victory at Harrah’s Cherokee demonstrated a patient yet opportunistic approach; after entering the final day with an average stack, he “picked his spots” carefully before shifting gears to apply pressure during short-handed play.

His willingness to play mixed games like PLO and PLO8 suggests a deeper understanding of poker mechanics than the average No Limit Hold’em specialist. This versatility allows him to find value in smaller, softer fields during major series, balancing the high variance of massive NLH events with the more technical edge available in mixed formats.

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