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: 2026.03.21

Gytis Lazauninkas is a high-stakes professional poker player from Lithuania who has rapidly emerged as a top-tier talent on the global tournament circuit. Known for his aggressive “new school” approach and mastery of high-roller dynamics, Lazauninkas has transitioned from a successful online career to becoming a consistent threat in the world’s most exclusive live festivals. In 2026, he solidified his standing by securing multiple cashes at the Triton Poker Series in Jeju, following a massive championship victory in Cyprus the previous year. He is currently recognized as one of the most dangerous young pros representing the Baltic region.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

As of March 2026, Gytis Lazauninkas’s total live tournament earnings have surpassed $1,540,000, according to The Hendon Mob. His career trajectory reached a new peak in May 2025, when he was crowned champion of the Mediterranean Poker Party (MPP) $10,400 Onyx High Roller for $227,085. Lazauninkas has maintained this elite form into 2026, most notably at Triton One Jeju , where he secured four cashes in high-buy-in events, including a 22nd-place finish in the $5,000 7-Handed event. His rapid ascent and high-volume play at the top stakes place his estimated poker net worth at approximately $2.5 million.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2025	MPP $10,400 Onyx High Roller (1st)	$227,085
2022	WPT Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open $25,500 High Roller (4th)	$186,855
2023	WSOP Online $888 No-Limit Hold’em (2nd)	$102,122
2026	Triton One Jeju $15,000 High Roller (36th)	$32,500
2026	Triton One Jeju $5,000 7-Handed (22nd)	$11,000

Gytis Lazauninkas poker — Credit: Triton Poker Series

Biography & Poker Background

Gytis Lazauninkas entered the poker scene with a strong technical foundation built in the competitive European online streets. Residing in Lithuania , he first made a major live splash in 2022 at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida, where he finished 4th in a $25K High Roller against a world-class final table. By 2024, he had become a regular fixture at Merit Royal Diamond in Cyprus and WSOP stops. His victory at the 2025 Mediterranean Poker Party, where he defeated a field of 149 elite entries, cemented his reputation as one of Lithuania’s premier high-stakes ambassadors. In 2026, his focus has shifted toward the Triton Poker circuit, where he competes against the absolute pinnacle of poker talent.

Play Style & Strategy

Lazauninkas is defined by a fearless and theoretically sound (GTO) play style. He is particularly effective in High Roller formats, where he leverages his deep understanding of post-flop equity and late-stage ICM pressure. Unlike many of his peers, Gytis is known for his ability to maintain high volume across both live and online disciplines, often switching between $25K live buy-ins and major online series like SCOOP and GGMillions. Strategically, he is an expert in Short-Handed (7-Max and 8-Max) No-Limit Hold’em, a skillset that was on full display during his deep runs at Triton Jeju in early 2026. His approach combines surgical precision with the willingness to pull high-stakes bluffs in polarized situations.

Keep up with Gytis Lazauninkas’s 2026 tournament trail and results through these platforms: