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: 2025.12.18

Michael Bagdasarov is an American professional poker player who has built a reputation for his consistency in the United States tournament circuit, particularly in the competitive fields of Florida and Massachusetts.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Michael Bagdasarov has total live earnings of $122,222. He is a regular competitor in high-profile domestic series, with several notable titles and deep runs to his credit.

His career-best live cash occurred at the 2024 DeepStack Showdown Poker Series in Las Vegas, where he finished 4th in the $800 No Limit Hold’em – Ultimate Stack for $16,903. Another standout victory came in April 2022 at the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown in Hollywood, Florida. Bagdasarov outlasted a field of 71 entries in the $600 Deep Stack Turbo No-Limit Hold’em (Event 38), ultimately securing the title and $10,343 following a heads-up deal. Additionally, he has found success in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) circuit, recording multiple cashes in bracelet events in Las Vegas.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Watertown, Massachusetts, Bagdasarov has established himself as a prominent figure in the New England and East Coast poker communities. While he frequently travels to major poker hubs like Las Vegas and Florida for the WPT and WSOP, he remains highly ranked on the Massachusetts All Time Money List. His career trajectory shows a steady climb through the mid-stakes circuit, reaching the $100,000 milestone in total earnings through a disciplined approach to tournament volume.

Play Style & Strategy

Bagdasarov is known for a calculated and aggressive play style, particularly in Turbo and Deep Stack formats. His success in “Turbo” events, where blinds increase rapidly, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of push-fold ranges and short-stack dynamics. He is recognized for his ability to navigate final tables effectively, often using his chip lead to apply pressure on opponents, as evidenced by his victory at the Seminole Hard Rock where he secured the win as the chip leader during chop negotiations.

Recent Attendances