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: 2026.01.05

Rayhaan Adam is a South African professional poker player who has established himself as a prominent and versatile competitor on the international circuit, particularly within the high-stakes markets of South Africa and the burgeoning Asian poker scene.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $485,995. Currently ranked 31st on the South African All Time Money List, Adam has demonstrated remarkable consistency across multiple continents. His career-best live cash of $74,924 was part of a major milestone year in 2024, specifically during the SunBet Poker Tour by MJPT in Pretoria, where he claimed 1st place in the ZAR 125,000 No Limit Hold’em – Business Invitational for ZAR 1,360,000 (∼$71,045).

In addition to his domestic dominance, Adam is a frequent deep-stack threat in Asia and the United States. During the 2025 Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Cambodia, he finished 27th in the APPT National for $2,225. He also secured a notable victory in the Philippines at the APT Manila Classic 2025, winning the Pot Limit Omaha – Lazy Rivers event for PHP 517,018 (∼$8,885). His resume is further bolstered by numerous cashes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, including deep runs in the Mystery Millions and Colossus events.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Africa and currently residing in Saint Lucia, Rayhaan Adam has spent years honing his craft in the highly competitive South African tournament scene. He is a regular fixture at the SunBet Poker Tour and Splendido Poker Series, where he has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most elite performers. Over the last few years, he has successfully transitioned his game to the global stage, becoming a familiar face at major festivals like the World Poker Tour (WPT) and APT in Southeast Asia.

Play Style & Strategy

Rayhaan Adam is known for a highly adaptable and technical play style, excelling in both standard No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha formats. His ability to navigate massive, high-variance fields, as evidenced by his frequent cashes in “Mystery Bounty” and “Monster Stack” events, suggests a deep understanding of tournament ICM and stack leverage. Known for his composure under pressure, he is particularly dangerous in late-stage tournament play, where he effectively utilizes his experience in high-stakes “Business Invitational” and “High Roller” fields to exploit his opponents’ tendencies.

Recent Attendances