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: 2026.03.07

Daniel James Francis is a prominent New Zealand professional poker player and a long-standing titan of the Asia-Pacific tournament circuit. Hailing from Auckland, Francis is recognized for his technical resilience and deep strategic knowledge, having successfully competed at the highest levels across Macau, Vietnam, and the Philippines for over a decade. A specialist in No-Limit Hold’em with a flair for high-stakes competition, he currently ranks in the top 30 on New Zealand’s All-Time Money List and remains a major force in the regional poker scene through 2026.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live tournament earnings surpassing $276,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Daniel James Francis is one of New Zealand’s most consistent international exports. His career-best live score of $125,056 was achieved early in his career in the United States, but his modern legacy is built on Asian dominance. In 2023, Francis secured a major title at the APT Summer Series Hanoi, winning the No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout for $9,726. He also recorded a massive runner-up finish at Poker Dream Manila 2023 in the Monster Stack event for $9,854. His ability to perform across major tours like the APPT , WPT Prime, and APT contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $400,000.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2007	World Poker Challenge $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em (1st)	$125,056
2023	APT Summer Series Hanoi NLH Freezeout (1st)	$9,726
2023	Poker Dream Manila PHP 30k Monster Stack (2nd)	$9,854
2012	APT Manila PHP 108,000 High Roller (2nd)	$26,125

Biography & Poker Background

Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Daniel James Francis is a veteran of the global poker explosion of the mid-2000s. He first made waves on the international scene in 2007 with a massive six-figure win in Reno, Nevada, before focusing his efforts on the burgeoning Asian markets. Francis has been a “flag hunter” for nearly two decades, recording significant results in Macau , Philippines , and Vietnam . Known for his technical adaptability, he was one of the early Western pros to find consistent success in Macau’s high-stakes tournaments. In 2026, he remains a highly respected figure in the New Zealand poker community, serving as a link between the original poker boom generation and the modern GTO-era professionals.

Play Style & Strategy

Francis is renowned for a “highly adaptive, technical, and patient” play style. His strategy is characterized by a deep understanding of ICM (Independent Chip Model) and tournament flow, skills that have allowed him to navigate the high-variance fields of major Asian festivals for 15+ years. He is particularly effective in Freezeout and Monster Stack formats, where his technical range awareness and ability to “read” the unique aggression of Asian players give him a distinct edge. Strategically, Francis is a proponent of game-state awareness, often adjusting his opening frequencies based on table dynamics rather than following a rigid solver-based approach. His longevity at the top of the New Zealand rankings is a testament to his mental endurance and technical consistency.

Want to follow Daniel James Francis as he continues to climb the New Zealand money list and compete in the 2026 international circuit? You can find his profiles and stats here: