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: 2026.03.10

Alexandru Papazian is the most successful professional poker player in Romanian history and a two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner. Known for his technical precision and aggressive high-stakes play, Papazian made history in 2017 by winning Romania’s first-ever WSOP gold bracelet. Originally a dominant force in the online world under the moniker “tilt21sted,” he has spent the last decade conquering the live circuit, with major titles across the EPT, WSOP, and APT. In 2026, he continues to dominate as the undisputed #1 on the Romania All-Time Money List, recently recording multiple final table appearances at the APT Jeju Classic.

Career Earnings & Historic Achievements

As of March 2026, Alexandru Papazian has amassed total live tournament earnings exceeding $4,628,200 (according to The Hendon Mob). His career is defined by massive “firsts” for his country, most notably his 2017 victory in the WSOP $888 Crazy Eights event, where he outlasted over 8,000 entries to win $888,888. He proved his versatility by winning a second bracelet in the 2021 WSOP Online $888 Crazy Eights event. His 2026 season has seen a strong focus on the Asian circuit, highlighted by a 5th-place finish in the APT Jeju High Roller Ultra Stack. His combined live and online success contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $8 million.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2017	WSOP $888 Crazy Eights (1st – Bracelet)	$888,888
2016	EPT Monte Carlo €25,750 High Roller (1st)	$1,365,358
2025	APT Taipei Main Event (3rd)	$521,419
2026	APT Jeju High Roller Ultra Stack (5th)	$51,491

Biography & Professional Background

Alexandru Papazian, affectionately known by his peers as “Papa,” is the spearhead of the modern Romanian poker movement. He first gained notoriety as a top-tier online grinder, racking up millions in cashes on PokerStars and GGPoker . His breakthrough on the live stage came in 2016 when he won the EPT Grand Final High Roller in Monte Carlo, which remains his largest single payday to date. Despite his immense success, Papazian is known for a stoic, clinical approach to the game, often stating that he cares more about the quality of his play than national rankings. In 2026, he remains Romania’s premier poker ambassador, frequently seen at the European Poker Tour (EPT) and Asian Poker Tour (APT).

Play Style & Tactical Edge

Papazian is renowned for a “highly aggressive and math-based” play style. His foundation as an online high-volume player has given him a superior grasp of range equity and GTO (Game Theory Optimal) strategies, which he utilizes to apply maximum pressure on his opponents. He is particularly effective in high-stakes “6-Max” and short-handed formats, where his ability to out-maneuver world-class professionals in post-flop scenarios is legendary. In 2026, his game has evolved to include sophisticated exploitative adjustments against the specialized fields of the Asian circuit, making him one of the most dangerous multi-continent threats in the world.

Want to follow “Papa” as he hunts for his third WSOP bracelet and continues his dominance on the 2026 circuit? Follow his official stats and profiles here: