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: 2026.02.18

Ritesh Khatwani is an Indian professional poker player and a respected figure on the Asian circuit, recognized for his tactical depth and consistency in both domestic and international fields.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Ritesh Khatwani has accumulated $144,112 in total live earnings. His career-best score came at the Poker Dream 20 Malaysia in February 2026, where he secured a runner-up finish in the Main Event for MYR 341,593 (∼$86,986).

During the WPT Cambodia 2026 festival, he demonstrated his skill with an 8th-place finish in the Mystery Bounty for $4,500 and a 4th-place result in the Superstack Turbo Bounty 20 Sec for $2,350. He is also a titleholder on the Asian Poker Tour (APT) , having won the APT Hanoi 2023 Hyper Turbo for VND 53,110,000 (∼$2,253). Domestically, he has been a consistent finalist in major Indian series, notably placing 5th in the 2023 WPT Prime India High Roller for INR 1,605,000 ($19,612).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from India, Khatwani has been a steady presence in the Indian poker scene for nearly a decade. He first gained prominence through domestic stops like the India Poker Championship (IPC) and the Baazi Poker Tour (BPT) in Goa before expanding his horizons to international festivals. His career trajectory has seen him transition from a local competitor into a globe-trotting regular, frequently competing in major stops across Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Cambodia. He is currently ranked within the top 100 on the India All Time Money List.

Play Style & Strategy

Khatwani is known for a highly methodical and disciplined play style, often characterized by his ability to navigate short-stacked situations in high-speed formats like Hyper Turbos. His performance in major championship events, such as his deep run in the Poker Dream Malaysia Main Event, showcases a strong grasp of ICM awareness and the ability to maintain composure during high-pressure final table action. He is particularly effective at making technical adjustments as field sizes shrink, leveraging his experience to apply pressure on opponents. His versatility between deep-stacked main events and fast-paced turbo tournaments makes him a formidable opponent in any format.

Recent Attendances