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: 2026.02.04

Joel Gaffney is an Australian professional poker player from Adelaide known for his longevity and consistent success on the Australian and Asian tournament circuits. Widely recognized as a regular in the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Australian Poker League (APL) scenes, he has established himself as a reliable performer in both mid-stakes and championship-level fields.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Joel Gaffney has accumulated total live earnings of $101,737. His career-best score of $24,367 was achieved at the 2025 APLPT Ville 600 Main Event, where he finished as the runner-up. Gaffney has enjoyed a dominant start to 2026 at WPT Cambodia in Phnom Penh, where he captured a title in the $250 Early Bird Megastack (Event #M2), outlasting 56 entries to win $3,548.

His recent heater at NagaWorld continued with a 7th-place finish in the $800 8-Max Championship (Event #19) for $7,150, an 11th-place run in the $1,500 Survivor Bounty for $2,800, and a 9th-place final table appearance in the $400 5-Card PLO (Event #30) for $1,073. These results, along with earlier cashes in the $300 4/5/6 PLO (Event #8) for $1,068 and the Championship Warm Up for $2,299, have significantly bolstered his poker net worth.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Adelaide, Australia, where he still resides, Gaffney has been a staple of the live tournament scene since at least 2011. He initially made a name for himself at major domestic festivals like the Aussie Millions before transitioning into a global “nomad” focusing on the booming Asian poker market. While he remains a force in his home country—frequently cashing in WSOP International Circuit events at The Star Gold Coast—his recent focus has shifted toward high-profile series in Cambodia and Taiwan.

Play Style & Strategy

Gaffney is recognized for a disciplined and highly adaptable play style, excelling in both No Limit Hold’em and complex Omaha variants. His strategic versatility was on full display during the WPT Cambodia 2026 series, where he secured final table appearances across diverse formats including 8-Max, 5-Card PLO, and Survivor Bounty events. Strategy-wise, he is known for his calculated approach to stack management and strong ICM awareness, traits that allow him to navigate the aggressive fields of the Asian circuit effectively.

Recent Attendances