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

Pham Bao, often referred to as Ngoc Quoc Bao Pham, is a Vietnamese professional poker player who has become a staple of the Asian poker circuit. He is widely recognized for his consistency in high-stakes fields and his ability to navigate deep into major championship events across Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Pham Bao has total live earnings of $573,881. He recently crossed the $500,000 milestone, a significant achievement that places him 38th on the Vietnam All Time Money List.

His career is defined by deep runs in some of the most competitive fields in the region:

$42,647 Score: His career-best live cash came from a standout performance in a major Vietnamese championship.
WPT World Championship: He recorded a deep run in the prestigious $10,400 WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas in December 2024, finishing 274th for $19,600.
Global Consistency: In 2025 and early 2026, he has been incredibly active, recording cashes at APPT Manila, WPT Cambodia, and major stops in South Korea and Vietnam.
Online Prowess: Beyond the live felt, he has recorded over $126,000 in online tournament earnings.

Pham Bao

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Vietnam, Bao has transitioned from a local competitor to an international regular. He is part of a growing wave of Vietnamese talent that has begun to dominate regional tours like the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the U Series of Poker (USOP).

His career is marked by a relentless volume of play, often cashing multiple times within a single festival. Whether competing in the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas, where he finished 274th for $19,600 in December 2024, or grinding the Poker Dream series in Jeju and Hoi An, his presence is felt at every major stop in the Asia-Pacific region.

Play Style & Strategy

Bao is known for a highly disciplined and technical approach to the game, particularly in the “Mini High Roller” and “Championship” formats. He excels in navigating large-field No Limit Hold’em tournaments, where his patience and ICM awareness have earned him numerous final table appearances.

His ability to switch between the aggressive demands of short-handed bounty events and the more calculated requirements of deep-stack championships makes him a versatile threat. His performance in heads-up situations, such as his runner-up finish against China’s Shaoshua Li, demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency even under the intense pressure of a trophy hunt.

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