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: 2025.12.18

Jesse Rivera is an American professional poker player who has become a consistent name on the US mid-stakes circuit, particularly known for his frequent deep runs in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and regional tours. Hailing from Kaneohe, Hawaii, he is recognized as one of the most successful players from his home state.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Jesse Rivera has total live earnings of $114,175. He recently surpassed the $100,000 career milestone following a strong string of results throughout 2024 and 2025. His career-best live cash of $34,264 was recorded at the WSOP in Las Vegas, where he has consistently performed in massive field No Limit Hold’em events.

Rivera’s 2025 season has been particularly prolific. In July 2025, he made a deep run in the $800 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack at the 56th World Series of Poker, where he was involved in high-profile showdowns against seasoned pros like Jason Wheeler. Additionally, he holds a strong ranking on the Hawaii All Time Money List, currently sitting at 43rd.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Kaneohe, Hawaii, Rivera is a prominent representative of the Hawaiian poker community on the mainland. He is a frequent traveler to major poker hubs, primarily competing in Las Vegas and regional stops across the United States. Over the last few years, he has successfully transitioned from a regional competitor to a global circuit regular, significantly boosting his Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking to within the top 8,000 players worldwide.

Play Style & Strategy

Rivera is known for a resilient and aggressive tournament style, excelling in large-field Deepstack and Monster Stack formats. His success in events with massive entry counts suggests a strategy that emphasizes patient accumulation and the ability to navigate the high-variance stages of the bubble and final table transitions. He has demonstrated particular proficiency in No Limit Hold’em, where his tactical awareness and willingness to engage in high-stakes showdowns have earned him consistent cashes across the WSOP and WSOP Circuit.

Recent Attendances