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: 2026.01.05

Abhishek Paul is a prominent Indian professional poker player who has established himself as a highly successful competitor on both the Asian and North American circuits. Originally from India and currently residing in Toronto, Canada, he is widely recognized for his high-volume consistency and numerous deep runs in major festivals like the WSOP, APT, and WPT.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $315,431. He achieved his career-best live cash of $70,416 in September 2024, finishing as the runner-up in the WSOP Ontario Main Event (Online Bracelet Event #7).

Paul has enjoyed a spectacular 2025 campaign, recording elite finishes globally:

WSOP Paradise 2025: A breakout series where he secured a massive $335,000 for 28th place in the $25,000 Super Main Event and $254,000 for 11th place in the $125,000 High Roller.
WPT World Championship 2025: Won the $25,400 High Roller at the Wynn Las Vegas for $341,250.
WSOP 2025 (Las Vegas): 27th place in the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em Freezeout for $13,090 and multiple final table appearances in the PokerNews Daily Deepstacks, including a 2nd place for $9,689.
APPT Cambodia (May 2025): 8th place in the Main Event for $22,970.
Poker Dream 13 Malaysia (Nov 2024): Won the Mini High Roller for RM 97,200 (∼$21,767).

Biography & Poker Background

Abhishek Paul is currently ranked 37th on the India All Time Money List. His trajectory as a player is marked by a transition from the Indian domestic scene to becoming a world-class traveler, frequently competing in major poker hubs such as Las Vegas, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. He is currently one of the highest-ranked Indian players in the Global Poker Index (GPI), reaching a career-high rank of 1,839th in late 2025 and maintaining a top 15 national ranking.

Play Style & Strategy

Paul is known for a highly adaptable and technical tournament strategy, often described as a player who excels in both large-field “Deepstack” formats and exclusive High Roller environments. His victory in the WPT High Roller and his deep run in the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event demonstrate a deep understanding of high-stakes dynamics and the ability to maintain composure against world-class professionals.

He is particularly dangerous in “Turbo” and “Bounty” formats, where he leverages his technical proficiency to capitalize on late-stage pressure. His consistent results across diverse regions, from the aggressive play styles of Southeast Asia to the structured fields of Las Vegas, highlight a versatile mental game and a sharp ability to manage tournament variance.

Recent Attendances