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: 2025.12.23

Akihiko Goto is a professional poker player from Japan who has rapidly established himself as a high-volume competitor in the Asian circuit throughout 2025. He is widely recognized for his frequent appearances at major regional festivals, particularly the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Akihiko Goto has total earnings of $38,539. The 2025 season has been a breakout year for Goto, accounting for nearly his entire career tournament resume and propelling him to 88th in the Japan 2025 Player of the Year rankings. His career-best score of $6,876 came in November 2025 at the APT Championship Taipei, where he finished 2nd in the NTD 10,000 Hyper Turbo Double Stack.

Hao’s 2025 campaign was marked by consistent deep runs across the Philippines and Taiwan. At the APPT Manila in July, he secured his first major title by winning the PHP 15,000 Knockout Turbo for PHP 227,264 (~$3,987). He followed this success with a string of final tables, including a 2nd-place finish in the APPT Manila PHP 25,000 Single Re-Entry for PHP 291,500 (~$5,113) and a 5th-place finish in the APT Championship Taipei NTD 15,000 Single Re-Entry for NTD 204,500 (~$6,525). Additionally, he proved his ability to navigate massive championship fields with a 107th-place finish in the APPT Manila Main Event.

Akihiko Goto (Photo Courtesy of APPT Manila)

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, where he currently resides, Goto transitioned into a dedicated “circuit grinder” at the start of 2025. While his early recorded cashes date back to late 2024 at the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) in Osaka, his professional volume surged as he began traveling to international stops in Manila, Jeju, and Taipei. Within a single year, he has accumulated 17 recorded cashes and 8 top-ten finishes, establishing himself as a rising name in the Japanese mid-stakes community.

Play Style & Strategy

Goto is known for an aggressive and highly adaptable tournament strategy, particularly excelling in fast-paced formats like Hyper Turbo and Bounty events. His victory in the APPT Knockout Turbo and runner-up finish in the APT Hyper Turbo Double Stack highlight a strong technical proficiency in short-stacked and high-blind environments. His consistent deep runs in both large-field Main Events and smaller, elite Single Re-Entry tournaments demonstrate a versatile strategic foundation that balances selective aggression with the patient accumulation required for deep-stack play. This tactical flexibility has allowed him to maintain a high cash rate across the diverse tournament structures found in the modern Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances