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: 2026.02.16

Santiago Sanchez is a Spanish professional poker player who has rapidly made a name for himself as a rising force in the Asian tournament circuit, specifically known for his recent dominance at WPT Cambodia 2026.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Santiago Sanchez has accumulated $21,675 in total live earnings. His career-best score and most significant achievement to date occurred in February 2026 at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Cambodia 2026. Competing at NagaWorld in Phnom Penh, he outlasted a 200-entry field in the Micro Championship (Event #34) to secure the 1st place prize of $12,292.

During the same WPT Cambodia series, Sanchez showcased remarkable consistency by capturing another title in the Superstack Turbo Freezeout (Event #4) for $6,125. He also added a deep run in the Deepstack (Event #14), finishing 4th for $2,167, and a 6th-place finish in the Daily Megastack (Event #1) for $591. Prior to his success in Asia, his first recorded cash came at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, where he finished 199th in the $250 No Limit Hold’em PokerNews Daily Deepstacks for $500.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Valencia, Spain, Sanchez began his journey on the global stage by competing in high-volume events in the United States before shifting his focus to the burgeoning Asian poker scene. His transition to international festivals was marked by an early appearance at the WSOP in Las Vegas, but it was his move to the WPT circuit in Southeast Asia that solidified his professional standing. Sanchez has quickly become a regular at major festivals, demonstrating a “nomad” lifestyle typical of modern professionals who travel wherever the tournament value is highest.

Play Style & Strategy

Sanchez is known for a calculated and highly resilient play style, particularly excelling in large-field No Limit Hold’em tournaments. His results at WPT Cambodia, where he secured two victories and four final tables in a single series, demonstrate an elite ability to navigate various tournament structures, from deepstack marathons to fast-paced turbo formats. He is particularly effective at final tables, where he uses aggressive chip leverage and strong ICM awareness to pressure opponents into mistakes. This adaptability between patient accumulation and aggressive domination makes him a formidable threat in any event he enters.

Recent Attendances