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: 2026.04.06

Michael Schmitz is a highly respected German professional poker player and a specialist in the international mixed-game circuit. Hailing from Krefeld, Germany, Schmitz has built a reputation for his versatility across various poker formats, including No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and diverse Mixed Game variants. With a career spanning over a decade, he has become a fixture at major European Poker Tour (EPT) stops and international championship series. In 2026, he remains a consistent force in the mid-to-high stakes world, recently adding significant championship runs in Slovakia and Denmark to his growing resume.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live tournament earnings now exceeding $230,791 (according to The Hendon Mob), Michael Schmitz is a steady climber on the German poker scene, currently ranked within the top 300 of the Germany All-Time Money List. His career is marked by consistency rather than a single outlier score, highlighted by a career-best live cash of $26,690. Schmitz kicked off 2026 with a series of impressive results in the “Mixed Games” arena, including a 5th-place finish in the TORSES Mixed Games Main Event at The Festival in Bratislava. His longevity and ability to cash in diverse global locations contribute to a professional net worth estimated in the mid-six figures.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2026	The Festival Bratislava €550 Mixed Games Main Event (5th)	$3,255
2024	EPT Cyprus $1,100 8-Game (2nd)	$7,200
2022	EPT London £4,850 Main Event (34th)	$16,730
2021	Kings of Tallinn €1,100 Main Event (10th)	$5,293

Biography & Poker Background

Michael Schmitz first established his technical foundation in the European regional card rooms, where his analytical approach allowed him to transition from local German events to the major international circuit. His breakout period occurred in the early 2020s, but it was his mastery of non-Hold’em variants, like 10-Game and H.O.R.S.E., that truly cemented his status as a world-class threat. Beyond the felt, Schmitz is known for his disciplined work ethic and bankroll management, navigating the volatile swings of the high-stakes world with professional composure. In 2026, he remains a regular at the European Poker Tour (EPT) and World Series of Poker (WSOP) stops, recognized for his expertise in complex mixed-game structures.

Play Style & Strategy

Schmitz is renowned for a “disciplined and mathematically precise” play style. His greatest technical edge lies in his deep understanding of Mixed Game variants, where his ability to switch strategies between different games (such as Stud, Omaha, and Draw) is considered elite. Strategically, he is a proponent of game selection and adaptability; while many modern pros rely strictly on solvers for No-Limit Hold’em, Schmitz’s 2025 and 2026 results show a mastery of “old school” feel-based adjustments that remain highly effective in mixed-field championships. His approach emphasizes patience and exploiting player tendencies across multiple disciplines.

Want to follow Michael as he continues his run through the 2026 circuit and targets his first major title? You can find his official profiles and updated stats here:

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