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: 2026.03.19

Najeem Ajez is an elite Australian professional poker player and a dominant force on the international high-stakes circuit. Originally from Brisbane, Ajez has transitioned from a regional “crusher” into a globally recognized competitor, famously known for his mastery of both No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO). Often referred to as a “high-stakes specialist,” he currently sits at #16 on the Australia All-Time Money List. In 2026, he remains a consistent threat in Las Vegas and the Asia-Pacific region, recently adding significant deep runs in the WPT and PokerGO Tour (PGT) to his legendary resume.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live tournament earnings now exceeding $3,076,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Najeem Ajez is a pillar of Australian poker. His career reached a historic peak in late 2024 at the WPT World Championship Alpha8, where he finished as the runner-up for a career-best $600,000. Proving his versatility, Ajez dominated the 2025 season, highlighted by a 7th-place finish in the WSOP $25,000 High Roller PLO for $293,329 and a victory in the APT Brisbane “The Goliath” for $65,000. His combined success across over a decade of elite play contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $4.5 million.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2024	WPT Alpha8 Las Vegas $25,000 NLHE (2nd)	$600,000
2025	WSOP $25,000 High Roller PLO (7th)	$293,329
2024	APL Million High Roller Shot Clock (1st)	$181,736
2025	WPT World Championship $10,500 NLHE (3rd)	$116,861
2025	APT Brisbane “The Goliath” (1st)	$40,682

Biography & Poker Background

Najeem Ajez first established himself as a dominant presence in the Australian card rooms, particularly in Brisbane and the Gold Coast . Dubbed a “crusher” by his peers, Ajez transitioned from high-stakes cash games to becoming one of the most consistent tournament performers in the Southern Hemisphere. His breakout on the global stage was cemented during the 2023 WPT World Championship, where he carried a massive chip lead deep into the event, eventually proving his staying power with back-to-back high-roller scores in 2024 and 2025. Beyond the felt, Ajez is known for his humility and professional approach to the game. In 2026, he is recognized as a de facto ambassador for the modern Australian poker movement, often competing against the world’s most elite “solver-based” players in Las Vegas.

Play Style & Strategy

Ajez is renowned for a “balanced, clinical, and aggressive” play style. His greatest technical edge is his dual-mastery of No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, a versatility that allows him to exploit edges in mixed high-roller fields. Strategically, he is a proponent of mental fortitude and adapting to high-pressure environments; while he utilizes modern analytical tools, he is equally famous for his “live feel” and ability to pull off massive bluffs in televised spots. In the 2025 and 2026 seasons, his results show a mastery of high-stakes “Super Turbo” and “Shot Clock” formats, making him one of the most difficult professionals to out-play in fast-paced championship structures.

Want to follow Najeem as he continues his run through the 2026 circuit and chases his first WSOP bracelet? You can find his official profiles and updated stats here: