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

Mindaugas Simkus is a Lithuanian poker player known for his consistency in European festivals and his recent expansion into the Asian poker circuit. He is recognized as a versatile competitor who transitions effectively between regional events in the Baltics and major international series like the EPT and WPT.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Simkus has accumulated $36,479 in total live earnings. His career-best score came at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague festival in December 2013, where he finished 23rd in the €1,100 Eureka Main Event for $10,072 (€7,350). He recently showcased his skills in Asia during the Manila Megastack 23 at PokerStars LIVE Manila in December 2025. In that festival, he made a deep run in the Main Event , finishing 14th for ₱300,000 ($5,115), and nearly clinched a title in the Turbo event, securing 2nd place for ₱116,500 ($1,985). These consistent results across different continents highlight his ability to adapt to varying field sizes and structures.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Lithuania and residing in Vilnius, Simkus has built a steady resume since 2013. While he established his foundation playing in Baltic venues like the Olympic Casino in Vilnius and Tallinn, he quickly became a traveling grinder. His poker passport includes cashes in prestigious locations such as London, Barcelona, Malta, and Atlantic City. His recent appearance in Manila suggests a strategic shift or expansion into the booming Asian market, moving beyond his traditional European hunting grounds to compete in diverse international fields.

Play Style & Strategy

Simkus demonstrates a flexible play style that allows him to navigate both massive fields and fast-structured tournaments. His 23rd place finish in the massive EPT Prague Eureka field and his 14th place run in the Manila Megastack Main Event indicate strong patience and bubble management skills essential for large Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs). Conversely, his runner-up finish in a Turbo event reveals an ability to switch gears and apply aggressive short-stack strategies when blind levels increase rapidly. This balance of patience in main events and aggression in turbos makes him a formidable opponent in any format.