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

Nikolai Guliaev is a Russian professional poker player who has become an increasingly prominent figure on the Asian poker circuit, known for his consistent performance across major series in Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. He is recognized as a versatile competitor capable of navigating diverse tournament formats, from deep-stack championships to high-speed turbo events.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Nikolai Guliaev has total live earnings of $38,794. He has achieved a string of significant scores in 2025, particularly within the U Series of Poker (USOP) and World Poker Tour (WPT) landscapes. His career-best score came in October 2025 at the Grand Loyal Poker Championships II (Powered by USOP) in Hanoi, where he finished 2nd in the Megastack – Mega GTD for VND 220,400,000 (~$8,369).

In February 2025, Guliaev also demonstrated his ability in elite fields at the WPT Cambodia Championship, where he secured a 7th-place finish in the 8-Max Survivor Bounty for $7,428 and cashed in the WPT Prime Championship for $2,000. More recently, he traveled to the Philippines for Manila Megastack 23 in late 2025, finishing 69th in the Main Event for PHP 98,000 (~$1,665) and 18th in the Mystery Bounty for PHP 43,000 (~$737).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Russia, Guliaev has transitioned into a highly active international regular, focusing primarily on the burgeoning poker markets of Southeast Asia. Over the last two years, he has established a significant presence in Cambodia and Vietnam, frequently competing in tours such as the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and the USOP. His trajectory shows a player who consistently targets major regional festivals, moving from successful deep runs in Sihanoukville to final table appearances in Hanoi and Manila.

Play Style & Strategy

Guliaev is known for a resilient and tactical play style, showing particular proficiency in bounty and megastack formats. His deep run in the WPT Cambodia Survivor Bounty and his runner-up finish in the USOP Megastack highlight a strategy that effectively balances aggressive stack accumulation with disciplined risk management. He is a capable navigator of large, multi-day fields, as evidenced by his cashes in premier Main Events across the circuit, where he utilizes a solid fundamental game to pressure opponents during critical blind transitions.

Recent Attendances