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: 2026.01.05

Maxim Sorokin is a Russian professional poker player from Nizhny Novgorod who has become a prolific and highly traveled regular on the international circuit. He is currently ranked 123rd on the Russia All Time Money List and is widely recognized for his high-volume consistency in major Asian festivals such as the APPT, APT, and the AJPC Samurai Circuit.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $718,747. His career-best cash of $101,619 was achieved early in his career, though he has recently surpassed the significant $500,000 milestone in lifetime earnings through a series of deep runs in Southeast Asia.

Sorokin has enjoyed an exceptionally productive 2025 campaign, recording numerous titles and final tables:

APPT Cambodia (May 2025): 6th place in the $1,000 APPT National event for $10,636 and 73rd in the Main Event for $2,700.
AJPC Samurai Circuit Incheon (Dec 2025): A dominant series where he claimed a victory in the Quick 350K for $2,397, and secured three runner-up finishes in The Closer ($6,137), the KO Bounty ($980), and another Quick 350K ($2,259).
AJPC Samurai Circuit Incheon (Aug 2025): Won three titles in a single week, the Last SAMURAI for $5,648, the Monster Stack for $4,566, and the Rookies event for $3,051.
APT Jeju (Oct 2025): 29th place in the Zodiac Classic for $5,687 and 155th in the APT Main Event for $3,364.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Sorokin has transitioned from a regional European grinder to one of the most active international travelers in the sport. He holds a Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 7,504th and reached a career-high rank in the top 2,700 worldwide. His trajectory is marked by a relentless volume of play, particularly in South Korea and Cambodia, where he has become a fixture at premier venues like the Nagaworld in Phnom Penh and the AJPC stops in Incheon. Over the last few years, he has successfully established himself as a prominent figure in the “new wave” of Russian professionals dominating the Asian poker landscape.

Play Style & Strategy

Sorokin is known for an aggressive and resilient tournament strategy, often described as a player who excels in high-pressure Deepstack, Turbo, and Bounty formats. His remarkable success in the AJPC Samurai Circuit, where he recorded a 91.7% “In The Money” (ITM) rate and reached the final table in nearly 60% of the events he played, demonstrates exceptional situational awareness and the ability to maintain a chip lead in fast-paced environments.

He is particularly dangerous in “The Closer” and “Quick” formats, where he leverages his technical proficiency to capitalize on late-stage ICM pressure. His consistent results across diverse regions highlight a versatile mental game and a sharp ability to manage tournament variance while maintaining a high volume of elite-level play.

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