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: 2025.12.15

Ishan Nadkarni is an Indian professional poker player who has recently gained traction in the Asian poker circuit. After building his initial experience in the domestic Indian scene, he has successfully transitioned to international fields, becoming a notable presence in major festivals like the Manila Megastack.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to Somuchpoker database, Nadkarni is steadily building his live tournament resume. His breakout performance on the international stage occurred in late 2025 at the Manila Megastack 23 , where he recorded multiple impressive finishes. His deepest run in a major championship came in the Manila Megastack Main Event , where he finished 55th for ₱113,000 (~$1,920).

During the same series, he proved his ability to navigate faster structures by reaching the final table of the No Limit Hold’em Turbo (Event #68), finishing 6th for ₱39,000 ($665). These results add to his earlier success, which includes a cash at the WPT Prime India in Goa and a deep run at Poker Dream 19 in Malaysia, demonstrating his growing consistency across the Asia-Pacific region.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from India, Ishan Nadkarni began his recorded live career in the vibrant poker hub of Goa. Like many rising Indian pros, he has expanded his schedule to include the Southeast Asian circuit, capitalizing on the close proximity of major tours in the Philippines and Malaysia. His active participation in the Manila Megastack 23, where he played multiple flights and side events, signals a committed transition from regional regular to international grinder.

Play Style & Strategy

Nadkarni’s recent play suggests a solid, calculated approach to tournament poker. Live reporting from the Manila Megastack highlighted his ability to build stacks early, noting a key moment where his “Queens stood tall” to secure a healthy chip count in Flight A of the Main Event. His diverse results, ranging from the patience required for a Main Event deep run to the high-speed adjustments needed for a Turbo final table, indicate a versatile skill set capable of adapting to varying tournament dynamics.