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: 2026.04.11

Marius Kudzmanas is a world-class Lithuanian professional poker player and a decorated two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner. Known in the online streets as a high-stakes crusher and on the live circuit as a “Lithuanian beast,” Kudzmanas has become a symbol of the country’s tactical dominance in modern poker. As of April 2026, he has successfully transitioned his online mastery to the live stage, currently holding a Top 10 chip stack as the field narrows in the 2026 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) Main Event in Prague.

Career Earnings & Championship Pedigree

Marius Kudzmanas has established himself as one of the most successful Lithuanian players in the history of the game. With total live tournament earnings now exceeding $1,200,000 and significantly more in online cashes, he is a force in any format. His most prestigious achievements include winning two WSOP gold bracelets (2023 and 2024), cementing his status as a top-tier global competitor. In April 2026, he proved his longevity by bagging 6,595,000 chips (41 big blinds) for Day 5 of the €5,300 WSOPE Main Event, placing him 7th overall and in direct contention for the €2,000,000 first-place prize.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize/Status
2026	WSOPE €5,300 Main Event (Prague)	Current Top 7 (Final 25)
2025	Kings of Vilnius €2,000 High Roller	Chip Leader / Deep Run
2024	WSOP Online Bracelet Event	1st Place (Bracelet)
2023	WSOP Online Bracelet Event	1st Place (Bracelet)

Marius Kudzmanas poker — Credit: Danny Maxwell

Biography & Rise to Dominance

Kudzmanas’s ascent began in the high-stakes online MTT (Multi-Table Tournament) scene, where he developed a reputation for clinical efficiency and high-volume play. He gained mainstream attention by winning back-to-back bracelets in consecutive years, a feat rarely achieved in the modern era. By 2025, he had become a staple of the European live circuit, frequently appearing at the final tables of the Kings of Tallinn and Kings of Vilnius. In 2026, his performance in Prague has been a masterclass in patient tournament play, navigating a record-breaking field of 2,617 entries to reach the final three tables of the WSOPE Main Event alongside fellow countryman Rokas Asipauskas .

Play Style & Strategy

Marius is widely regarded as a “Technical Powerhouse.” His game is heavily rooted in advanced GTO (Game Theory Optimal) principles, which he applies with devastating consistency in both online and live settings. Analysts describe his style as unflappable and mathematically sound, particularly in high-pressure “flip” situations where his decision-making remains focused on pure equity. During the 2026 WSOPE, he has utilized his 41-big-blind stack to play a sophisticated “middle-stack” game, avoiding high-risk confrontations with chip leaders while effectively punishing shorter stacks. His mental fortitude is considered his greatest asset, allowing him to maintain peak performance through grueling multi-day structures.

Recent Attendances