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

Anthony Spinella, widely known by his online handle “holdplz” and “casedismissed,” is a pioneer of the modern poker era. Originally from Long Island, New York, Spinella made history in 2015 by winning the inaugural WSOP.com online bracelet event, a victory that bridged the gap between virtual and live play. With a career rooted in the high-stakes online grind and polished on the global live circuit, Spinella has amassed millions in earnings across both formats. In 2026, he remains a consistent high-stakes threat, balancing his time between the major tournament stops in Las Vegas, Florida, and the international Asian Poker Tour (APT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

As of March 2026, Anthony Spinella’s total live tournament earnings have surpassed $4,152,000 (according to The Hendon Mob). His most lucrative live score came from a runner-up finish in the 2017 WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star Main Event, where he earned $786,610. Spinella is also a two-time WSOP Circuit Ring winner, including a victory in the 2019 Harrah’s Las Vegas Main Event. In 2025 and early 2026, he has maintained his elite form with deep runs in the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event ($50,000) and the APT Championship Taipei. His combined career earnings across online and live platforms contribute to an estimated net worth of approximately $6 million.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2017	WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star Main Event (2nd)	$786,610
2022	WSOP $1,500 Monster Stack (5th)	$260,315
2015	WSOP $1,000 Online No-Limit Hold’em (1st – Bracelet)	$197,743
2025	WSOP Paradise $25,000 Super Main Event (374th)	$50,000

Biography & Online Origins

Anthony Spinella’s journey began in the mid-2000s as a high-volume online grinder. Under the moniker “holdplz,” he became one of the top-ranked tournament players in the world, amassing over $4.5 million in online winnings before the events of Black Friday. Spinella’s transition to the live circuit was seamless, but he forever changed the landscape of the game in 2015 when he won the first-ever WSOP online-to-live hybrid event. Beyond his accolades, Spinella is known for his unique personal style, famously often playing without shoes, and his dedication to the mental and technical study of the game. In 2026, he resides in Playa del Carmen, Mexico , while traveling globally as a high-stakes ambassador.

Play Style & Strategy

Spinella is widely regarded as an “aggression-heavy technician.” His strategy is heavily influenced by his massive volume of online hands, which gives him a superior understanding of ICM (Independent Chip Model) and short-handed dynamics. In 2026, he has integrated advanced GTO (Game Theory Optimal) strategies into his naturally exploitative style, making him particularly dangerous in turbo and “bounty” formats where decision-making speed is critical. Spinella’s ability to remain patient during grueling live structures while maintaining a “high-velocity” online mindset makes him a perennial threat in any Championship-level field.

Follow Anthony as he chases his second bracelet during the 2026 WSOP and PGT seasons: