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: 2025.12.30

Pavel Zuev is a professional poker player from Russia who has built a significant reputation as a consistent “grinder” across the European and Asian tournament circuits. Based in Moscow, Zuev has been active for over a decade, amassing a diverse resume that includes titles and deep runs in prestigious series such as the European Poker Tour (EPT), World Poker Tour (WPT), and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Pavel Zuev has accumulated total live earnings of $228,121. His career-best live cash of $33,048 was recorded in August 2018 at the partypoker MILLIONS Russia in Sochi, where he secured a 25th-place finish in the RUB 318,000 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event.

Zuev has been particularly successful in regional championships, holding multiple titles. In April 2016, he dominated the Eurasian Poker Tour (EAPT) Astana, winning both the $150 No Limit Hold’em – Astana Poker Cup for $8,104 and the $250 No Limit Hold’em – Six Max for $4,580. His international success also includes a victory in the $250 No Limit Hold’em event at the Merit Mediterranean Poker Cup in Cyprus for $17,630. Most recently, in October 2025, he traveled to the Philippines for the APPT Manila, finishing 22nd in the PHP 80,000 APPT Main Event for PHP 425,000 (∼$7,392).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Russia, Zuev has been a dedicated tournament player since at least 2013, making him a seasoned veteran of the international circuit. While he frequently competes in major Russian hubs like Sochi and Altay, he is a true globetrotter, with recorded cashes in the United States, Malta, Spain, Cyprus, and Kazakhstan. His steady performance over the years has seen him surpass the $100,000 and $200,000 milestones in career earnings, and he currently ranks 397th on the Russia All Time Money List.

Play Style & Strategy

Zuev is recognized for a resilient and tactical tournament play style, particularly excelling in “Deepstack” and “Turbo” formats that reward sharp decision-making as the blinds escalate. His ability to navigate elite fields is evidenced by his numerous final table appearances and his success in specialized variants, such as a runner-up finish in the €1,000 Limit Stud Hi/Lo Championship at EPT Malta for €6,925 (∼$7,581). Whether competing in a high-stakes Main Event or a fast-paced Six-Max side event, his adaptability and decade of experience make him a formidable Russian opponent on the global circuit.

Recent Attendances