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: 2026.02.18

Vitaly Ivanov is a Russian professional poker player who has become a prominent name on the Southeast Asian circuit, particularly after his breakout performances at the WPT Cambodia 2026.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Vitaly Ivanov has accumulated $29,284 in total live earnings. His career hit a new high during the WPT Cambodia 2026 at the NagaWorld Integrated Resort, where he triumphed in the Megastack event for a career-best score of $12,309. During the same festival, he showcased his consistency in large fields by finishing 33rd in the WPT Prime Cambodia Main Event for $5,900. He also recorded several deep runs on the Asian Poker Tour (APT) , notably finishing 32nd in the 2023 APT Summer Series Hanoi Double Stack for VND 23,850,000 (∼$1,015).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Russia, Ivanov has transitioned from regional tournaments to a dedicated focus on the booming Asian poker markets. He is part of the modern wave of Russian grinders who travel the international circuit year-round, establishing a strong presence in key hubs like Cambodia and Vietnam. While he maintains a presence in European ranking lists, his recent trajectory has seen him move from mid-stakes daily events to consistently competing in major championship events like the WPT and APT.

Play Style & Strategy

Ivanov is known for a highly aggressive and adaptive play style, specifically excelling in “Action Clock” and “Double Stack” formats where quick processing and physical stamina are required. His victory in Cambodia highlighted his ability to navigate short-handed dynamics and use his stack to apply maximum pressure during the late stages of a tournament. He demonstrates strong ICM awareness, a trait evidenced by his ability to navigate massive player pools of over 1,000 entries in the WPT Prime. Whether he is grinding a high-volume side event or a marquee championship, his technical versatility makes him a formidable regular on the Asian tour.

Recent Attendances