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: 2025.12.13

Lavrentiy Nee is a professional poker player from Kazakhstan who has established himself as one of the most successful competitors in his country’s history. Currently ranked 3rd on the Kazakhstan All Time Money List, he is a familiar face at major international festivals, particularly in Cyprus and Russia, where he consistently navigates large fields to reach final tables.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Lavrentiy Nee has accumulated $445,869 in total live earnings. His career is anchored by a massive breakout performance at the PokerStars Championship Sochi in May 2017, where he finished 5th in the Main Event for a career-best score of $151,276.

He has maintained strong form into the 2024 and 2025 seasons, proving his longevity on the circuit. In October 2024, he had a spectacular run at EPT Cyprus, finishing 9th in the massive Eureka Main Event for $35,840 and 4th in the Mystery Bounty for $38,610. He also claimed a runner-up finish in a Hyper Turbo event during the same festival. Most recently, in December 2025, he was active at the Manila Megastack 23 , cashing in the Main Event and reaching the podium with a 3rd place finish in a No Limit Hold’em side event.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan, Lavrentiy Nee is a pioneering figure for Central Asian poker. While he initially built his bankroll in regional events in Russia and Kazakhstan, such as the Russian Poker Championship and EAPT, he has successfully transitioned to the global stage. He is now a regular grinder in Northern Cyprus, frequently competing in Merit Poker series and European Poker Tour (EPT) stops. His willingness to travel to emerging hubs like Manila demonstrates a dedication to finding value in diverse player pools.

Play Style & Strategy

Nee’s results highlight a player who excels in large-field No Limit Hold’em tournaments. His ability to navigate massive fields, evidenced by his deep runs in the Eureka Main Event and Sochi Main Event, suggests a patient, low-variance style in the early stages that shifts gears as the bubble approaches. He also displays significant versatility, with successful results in “Hyper Turbo” and “Mystery Bounty” formats, indicating he is comfortable with the high-variance, mathematically driven decisions required in fast-structured events.