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: 2025.12.19

Joseph Magnotti, widely known as “Joe,” is an American professional poker player and entrepreneur who has become a prominent figure in the Southeast Asian poker scene, particularly in the Philippines. While recognized globally as the co-founder and CEO of Empire Flippers, he has successfully balanced his business ventures with a prolific tournament career.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Joseph Magnotti has total live earnings of $106,556. His career-best live cash of $5,377 was recorded during his deep runs in major international festivals.

Magnotti is a highly active competitor at PokerStars LIVE Manila , with a string of final table appearances throughout 2025. In December 2025, he secured a 5th-place finish in the Manila Megastack 23 Knockout Turbo for PHP 45,500 (~$777) and followed it with a 14th-place finish in the Double Stack event for PHP 43,500 (~$744). His technical proficiency was on full display in November 2024 at Manila Megastack 20, where he took 1st place in the No Limit Hold’em – Deepstack for PHP 58,100 (~$1,048). Beyond the Philippines, he has found success in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, including a 786th-place finish in the 2025 $1,500 Monster Stack for $3,385 and a 124th-place finish in a $2,000 No Limit Hold’em event for $4,420.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the United States, Magnotti spent his early career in engineering and the mortgage business in San Francisco and Delaware. Seeking a new trajectory, he moved to the Philippines in 2010, eventually settling in Davao City and Manila, where he built his business empire while honing his poker skills. He has since become a regular face at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), frequently traveling to major stops in Cambodia and Taiwan. His unique background as a high-level executive allows him to bring a disciplined, analytical approach to the table, often described by peers as a “modern-day Ben Franklin” of the poker world.

Play Style & Strategy

Magnotti is recognized for a calculated and resilient play style that mirrors his entrepreneurial focus on “energy and persistence”. He excels in large-field No Limit Hold’em tournaments, particularly in Deepstack and Turbo formats where tactical patience and short-handed aggression are paramount. His ability to navigate massive WSOP fields and technical Manila Megastack final tables demonstrates strong ICM awareness and an adaptable strategy. Known for his composure under pressure, he effectively utilizes his technical knowledge to exploit varied international fields across both high-stakes championship series and daily regional festivals.

Recent Attendances