In a field brimming with top-tier talent, Imad Derwiche emerged victorious at the Diamond Poker Series PLO Grand Slam Tallinn €10,300 Championship. Known for his fun-loving and laid-back approach to the game, Derwiche bested 148 of the best Pot-Limit Omaha players from Europe and around the globe to claim the prestigious title, along with a hefty €338,370 in first-place winnings.
🃏 A Fun-Loving Approach to Poker
Amid the usual sounds of chips being rifled, cards being shuffled, and players announcing “all in,” one voice stood out at the Chesterfield Poker Club. That voice belonged to Imad Derwiche, a player known for his relaxed, jovial demeanor at the table. While others focus intensely on the game, Derwiche never hesitated to keep things light, even throwing in playful comments during the action.
In fact, during one particularly memorable encounter, he even shared the table with the famous Martin Kabrhel, both players exchanging friendly banter throughout the day. Derwiche’s easygoing nature was evident when he playfully “discounted” his opponent’s bet during a pot-sized raise and urged his competitors to show “discipline” when making tough decisions.
But while his approach may have been light-hearted, his poker skills were anything but casual. On the contrary, Derwiche’s performance in Tallinn was a masterclass in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), culminating in his victory over a field of seasoned professionals from all over Europe.
💪 The Run of a Lifetime
Describing himself as a recreational player with a deep passion for the game, Derwiche admitted that he had been on a “run of a lifetime” throughout the event. The French businessman, who refers to poker as a “hobby,” proved that even non-professional players can achieve extraordinary results when combining skill with the right mindset.
“I’m proud of me because I know that the field was exceptional,” Derwiche said after his victory. “Many professionals from all over Europe. I’m very proud because, you see, poker is a hobby for me. I’m a businessman. I spend my hobby to play poker. For me to win this tournament, Omaha, with the best players in Europe, for me is exceptional. It’s fantastic. I’m very proud.”
💼 A Businessman With a Poker Résumé
While Derwiche may describe himself as a hobbyist, his poker results tell a different story. Coming into the Diamond Poker Series PLO Grand Slam, he already had over $4.3 million in live tournament earnings, including multiple impressive finishes at some of the most prestigious poker events.
Notably, he finished second in the €25,000 High Roller at EPT Monte Carlo in 2015, earning €750,000 for his efforts, which remains his largest career payout. In 2023, Derwiche also finished runner-up in the $40,000 Mystery Bounty at the Triton Series in Monte Carlo and took third place in the $25,100 Omaha High Roller at the 2023 WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas.
With his victory in Tallinn, Derwiche added another significant achievement to his already impressive résumé, firmly solidifying his status as a formidable player in the high-stakes poker world, even if he doesn’t consider himself a full-time professional.
🏆 A Well-Deserved Victory
Imad Derwiche’s win at the Diamond Poker Series PLO Grand Slam Tallinn is a testament to his remarkable skill, calm demeanor, and ability to thrive under pressure. While poker may be a hobby for him, Derwiche’s performance in this championship was nothing short of exceptional. With €338,370 in his pocket and a well-earned victory, Derwiche proved once again that sometimes, it’s not just about being a professional—it’s about having the right approach to the game and enjoying every moment at the table.
Derwiche’s win shows that poker is as much about mindset as it is about skill. His victory at the Diamond Poker Series PLO Grand Slam serves as a reminder that with the right attitude, anyone can reach the pinnacle of the game.