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

Raj Vardhan Bagaria is an Indian professional poker player who has quickly established himself as a competitive regular in the Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and U Series of Poker (USOP) scenes.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Raj Vardhan Bagaria has total earnings of $23,887. He currently ranks 376th on the India All Time Money List, a position he has bolstered through a high-volume 2025 campaign across the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. His career-best live cash of PHP 505,000 (∼$8,784) was achieved in July 2025 when he secured a 20th-place finish in the PHP 80,000 APPT Manila Main Event.

Bagaria has been exceptionally active in 2025, recording significant deep runs in major regional festivals. In May 2025, he secured a 5th-place finish at the APPT Cambodia Megastack for $3,283 and followed it with a 14th-place finish in the APPT Mini Main Event for $1,300. His consistency in Vietnam is also notable; at the Grand Loyal Poker Championships (GLPC) in Hanoi in October 2025, he finished runner-up in the VND 6,000,000 Super Deepstack for VND 48,200,000 (∼$1,831) and secured a 144th-place finish in the Kick Off event for VND 15,000,000. Earlier results include a 5th-place finish at the 2024 USOP Grand Finale Hai Phong Bubble Rush for VND 48,500,000 (∼$1,909).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from India, Bagaria has become a dedicated traveler on the Asian poker trail, frequently competing in major hubs such as Manila, Phnom Penh, and Hanoi. He is recognized as an emerging talent within the Indian contingent that has increasingly focused on the booming markets of Southeast Asia.

His professional trajectory shows a transition to higher-stakes environments, as evidenced by his participation in the WPT Cambodia Championship and his deep run in the prestigious APPT Manila Main Event. This relentless schedule has helped him achieve a peak Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking within the top 20,000 players worldwide, establishing him as a rising regular on the regional circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Bagaria is recognized for a resilient and tactical tournament strategy, often excelling in the high-pressure “Super Deepstack” and “Megastack” structures that demand long-term patience and careful stack management. His ability to navigate massive fields, evidenced by his top-20 finish in the 1,246-entry APPT Manila Main Event, suggests a strong foundation in late-stage tournament dynamics.

His strategy also appears well-suited for high-variance situations, as seen in his deep runs in “Bubble Rush” and “Turbo” formats. While he has faced significant “coolers” on the international stage, such as a notable full house vs. smaller full house encounter at the APPT Cambodia Main Event, his consistent return to final tables across different countries demonstrates a disciplined and professional approach to the game. This adaptability makes him a formidable opponent, whether he is grinding the early stages of a regional championship or competing for a title in a fast-paced side event.

Recent Attendances