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: 2026.01.03

Erik Rozhynskyi is a Ukrainian professional poker player who has rapidly ascended the ranks of the international circuit, becoming a dominant force in the Asian and European mid-to-high stakes scenes. Widely recognized as a regular in major festivals like the APT, USOP, and WPT Prime, he currently stands among the top five players in Ukraine’s Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $632,047. His career-best cash of $76,000 was achieved in 2024, and he has recently crossed the significant $500,000 milestone through a series of elite performances in Southeast Asia. In 2025, Rozhynskyi enjoyed a standout campaign, notably securing a 1st place victory in the Grand Loyal Poker Championships (GLPC) II Highroller Single Day event for VND 229,300,000 (∼$9,261) and 2nd place finishes in both the GLPC II Super Highroller for VND 791,800,000 (∼$30,067) and the Highroller Megastack for VND 536,100,000 (∼$20,361). He also demonstrated his skill on the global stage with deep runs at the WSOP in Las Vegas and the APT Jeju Main Event, where he finished 41st for KRW 10,460,000 (∼$7,423).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Zaporozhzhia, Ukraine, Rozhynskyi has successfully transitioned from a regional player to a highly traveled international competitor. Currently ranked 41st on the Ukraine All Time Money List, he has become a fixture at premier venues in Vietnam, South Korea, and Cambodia. His trajectory is marked by a relentless work ethic, leading him to achieve a career-high GPI rank of 588th and an impressive 2nd place ranking in the 2025 Ukraine Player of the Year race.

Play Style & Strategy

Rozhynskyi is known for a calculated and aggressive tournament strategy, often excelling in high-pressure “Single Day High Roller” and “Turbo” formats. His ability to navigate massive, competitive fields, evidenced by his deep run in the 1,693-entry APT Jeju Main Event, demonstrates strong situational awareness and a willingness to apply maximum pressure during the mid-to-late stages of a tournament. Whether competing in a boutique Super Highroller in Hanoi or a major championship in Las Vegas, his patient accumulation and technical proficiency in No Limit Hold’em make him a formidable threat at any final table.

Recent Attendances