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: 2026.01.02

Santo Tripodi is an Australian professional poker player who has gained significant recognition for his deep runs in major tournament circuits across the Asia-Pacific region, most notably in the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Santo Tripodi has total earnings of $30,231. His live career is highlighted by high-profile appearances in major regional series, with his most significant impact made in 2025.

Tripodi’s breakout performance on the international stage occurred in July 2025 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila. Competing in the prestigious PokerStars Red Dragon event, Tripodi navigated a highly competitive field of 433 entries to reach the final table. He entered the final table as a major contender with the second-largest stack of 1,680,000 chips (56 BB). Tripodi eventually finished in 6th place, securing a career-best payout of PHP 951,000 (∼$16,580). Earlier in 2025, he also demonstrated his consistency by winning the VPC 300 event at the Victorian Poker Championship in Australia.

Biography & Poker Background

Santo Tripodi is an Australian national who balances his passion for competitive poker with a successful career as an actor. He has appeared in several notable films and television series, including Hacksaw Ridge and Strike Back, showcasing a versatility that translates well to the high-pressure environment of the poker table.

While he originally studied Biomedicine, Tripodi’s competitive drive eventually led him to the global poker circuit. He frequently travels between Australia and Southeast Asia to compete in premier festivals like the APPT and the Australian Poker League (APL). His ability to maintain a high level of performance across different industries has made him a unique and respected figure in the Australian poker community.

Play Style & Strategy

Tripodi is known for a resilient and fearless play style, often characterized by his ability to accumulate massive stacks during the middle stages of major tournaments. His performance in the 2025 APPT Manila Red Dragon demonstrated a strong command of stack dynamics, as he held over 50 big blinds entering the final table against a field of seasoned professionals.

His strategy involves a blend of disciplined patience and well-timed aggression. During the Red Dragon final table, he was noted for his willingness to engage in high-stakes confrontations, eventually falling to the chip leader, Justin Ong, after snap-calling a river shove. This bold approach, combined with the composure gained from his acting background, makes him a dangerous opponent who is never afraid to put his tournament life on the line for a shot at the title.

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