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

Dauren Zhaparov is a poker player from Kazakhstan who has established himself as a versatile competitor on the international circuit. He is particularly active in Cyprus and has recently expanded his schedule to include major festivals in Southeast Asia.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Dauren Zhaparov has accumulated total live earnings of approximately $206,140. He currently sits at 16th on the Kazakhstan All Time Money List, highlighting his status as one of the country’s top traveling grinders.

His Best Live Cash stands at $43,790. While a significant portion of his career volume comes from European and Mediterranean festivals, he recently recorded results at the Manila Megastack 23 in December 2025:

39th place in the Manila Megastack 23 Main Event at PokerStars LIVE Manila .
29th place in the No Limit Hold’em – Super Stack event.

Notable past highlights include:

22nd place in the Merit Poker Gatsby Gala Series Main Event in Cyprus (November 2024) for $13,040.
2nd place in a Pot Limit Omaha Bounty event at the same series (November 2024).
6th place in a Hyper Turbo Freezeout at EPT Cyprus (October 2024).

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from Almaty, Kazakhstan, Dauren Zhaparov is a dedicated “flag hunter” who travels extensively for poker. His resume features results from diverse locations including Cyprus, Georgia, and the Philippines, indicating a willingness to follow value across different regions. His consistent presence at the Merit Poker series in Northern Cyprus suggests it is a primary hub for his grinding activities.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhaparov’s results reveal a distinct proficiency in Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) and Bounty formats. He has multiple final table finishes in PLO Bounty tournaments, a format that requires a deep understanding of equity vs. ranges and aggressive play to collect knockout chips. Additionally, his success in Mix-Max, Hyper Turbo, and Super Stack events demonstrates a versatile skill set capable of adapting to varying table dynamics and stack depths.

Recent Attendances