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: 2026.02.16

Amit Kaushik is an Indian professional poker player who has rapidly climbed the ranks of the Asian poker circuit, establishing himself as a formidable force in mid-to-high stakes tournaments across Vietnam, Taiwan, and Cambodia.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Amit Kaushik has total earnings of $949,433. His breakout performance came in January 2024 at the WPT Cambodia Main Event, where he secured a career-best score of $118,906 for a 5th-place finish. This deep run in a premier World Poker Tour (WPT) event solidified his status as one of India’s top international competitors.

Kaushik has been particularly dominant in the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and various Vietnamese festivals. He captured a prestigious title at the WPT Prime Vietnam in 2023, winning the Warm-up event for VND 1,012,800,000 (∼$42,915). His consistency is further highlighted by a podium finish at the APT Phu Quoc 2024, where he took 3rd place in a High Roller event for VND 1,034,200,000 (∼$40,700), and a recent victory in a Grand Loyal Poker Championships (GLPC) High Roller in Hanoi for VND 392,860,000 (∼$14,925).

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from Kurukshetra, India, Kaushik transitioned from the competitive Indian domestic scene to the global stage with remarkable speed. He first gained international attention on the Asian Poker Tour (APT), where he claimed his maiden trophy in a Deep Stack Hyper Turbo event in Hanoi in 2022.

Over the past few years, he has become a true “road warrior,” traveling extensively to major stops like the WSOP in Las Vegas and the APPT in Cambodia. His rise mirrors the broader explosion of the Indian poker community, as he currently sits 14th on the India All Time Money List. Kaushik is often seen sporting his signature “Inner Champion” apparel, a brand he represents while competing against the world’s best.

Play Style & Strategy

Kaushik is known for a highly adaptable and aggressive play style that thrives in the fast-paced environments of Asian tournament fields. He is particularly lethal in short-handed situations and turbo formats, where his ability to make quick, pressure-filled decisions gives him a significant edge.

His strategy focuses on aggressive blind stealing and a fearless approach to “all-in” confrontations, as demonstrated by his multiple “double-knockout” hands in high-variance events. Despite his aggressive tendencies, Kaushik maintains a disciplined ICM-aware approach during final table play, a balance that has allowed him to accumulate nearly $1,000,000 in live earnings in a relatively short professional career.

Recent Attendances