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

Aleksei Zhukov is a Russian professional poker player known for his high-volume grinding and consistent deep runs across the Asian and Eastern European tournament circuits.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Aleksei Zhukov has accumulated $214,123 in total live earnings. His career-best live score occurred in September 2025 at the Amber Poker Championship 36 in Kaliningrad, where he finished as the runner-up in the Main Event for $18,796.

Zhukov has become a formidable force on the World Poker Tour (WPT) regional stage. Most recently, during the WPT Cambodia 2026 festival in Phnom Penh, he secured a victory in the Daily Megastack 30 Sec for $5,840. He followed this with a 5th-place finish in another Megastack event for $4,936 and a deep run in the WPT Prime Cambodia Main Event, placing 63rd for $3,500. His resume also includes a title at the ACE Poker League (APL) Manila, where he won the Single Board Bombpot for PHP 43,900 (∼$761).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Russia, Zhukov has transitioned into a “circuit nomad,” frequently traveling to major poker hubs throughout Vietnam, the Philippines, and Cambodia. While he maintains a presence in Russian series like the Russian Poker Cup and the Sochi Poker Festival, his recent focus has shifted heavily toward the expanding Asian market. He is recognized for his relentless work rate, often recording multiple cashes in a single festival.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhukov employs a highly adaptive and resilient play style that allows him to navigate both massive Main Event fields and high-variance turbo side events. He is particularly effective in short-handed and fast-structured formats, as evidenced by his multiple wins in Megastack and Hyper Speed tournaments. His ability to maintain consistent results across different tours like the EAPT, WPT, and APL demonstrates a strong understanding of exploitative adjustments against diverse player pools.

Recent Attendances