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: 2025.12.30

Leo Lombardozzi is a French professional poker player who has established himself as a prominent figure on the international circuit, known for his versatile skills in both live and online tournament arenas. He rose to significant prominence after winning the prestigious Winamax “Top Shark” competition in 2020, which earned him a place on the elite Team Winamax.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to Card Player, Leo Lombardozzi has total earnings of over $176,902 for the 2025 season alone. He currently sits among the top active French professionals, bolstered by a highly productive 2024 and 2025 campaign. His career-best live cash of $96,316 was achieved in June 2024 during a runner-up finish in the $500 No-Limit Hold’em Deepstack event at the WSOP Online.

The year 2025 has been exceptionally active for Lombardozzi, particularly during the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas. In July 2025, he secured a 35th-place finish in a $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event for $21,490. He also recorded significant results at the 2025 Wynn Millions, finishing 13th in the $2,200 Six-Max event for $9,464. His resume is further highlighted by a title victory at the 2022 Irish Open, where he won the opening €350 NLHE 6-Max Championship for €13,395 (∼$14,565).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from France, Lombardozzi is widely known in the online poker community by his moniker “Ya 2 ecoles”. He gained widespread recognition in January 2020 when he was crowned the winner of the Winamax Top Shark Academy, a grueling multi-week competition designed to find the next great ambassador for French poker.

His career trajectory shows a transition from a dedicated online grinder to a respected regular at major live festivals including the WSOP, Wynn Millions, and the Irish Poker Open. Beyond his playing career, Lombardozzi is a key figure in the French coaching scene as part of “Elite Poker,” where he shares his strategic expertise with the next generation of players through interviews and specialized content.

Play Style & Strategy

Lombardozzi is recognized for a highly technical and disciplined tournament strategy, which was famously showcased during his path to the Top Shark title. His ability to navigate varied structures, ranging from fast-paced online “Deepstacks” to grueling live “Shootout” formats, suggests a strong command of modern tournament theory.

He is particularly dangerous in short-handed formats, as evidenced by his victory in the Irish Open 6-Max Championship. His play style is often described as calculated and adaptive, allowing him to shift between patient accumulation and applying tactical pressure in late-stage situations. This versatility, combined with a resilient mindset honed through years of high-stakes online volume, makes him one of the most consistent French regulars on the modern global circuit.

Recent Attendances