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: 2025.12.30

Akihiro Konishi is a professional poker player from Japan and a familiar face in the international tournament circuit, particularly known for his frequent deep runs in major Asian festivals and the World Series of Poker.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Akihiro Konishi has amassed $205,929 in live tournament winnings. He currently holds a strong position on the Japan All Time Money List, ranking among the top 125 players in the country.

His most significant scores have come from high-stakes events across Asia and Las Vegas. In October 2024, Konishi secured a 4th-place finish in the APPT Cambodia High Roller for $23,300. He followed this with another deep run in the WPT Championship Cambodia $5,000 High Roller in 2025, finishing 8th for $22,500. Additionally, he found success at WPT Prime Taiwan in August 2025, taking 1st place in the 10/10/10/10 event for NTD 156,300 (~$5,151) and 2nd place in the Hyper Turbo High Roller for NTD 222,000 (~$6,900).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Konishi has built a career as a global grinder, traveling between the booming Asian poker hubs and major festivals in the West. His tournament history dates back to at least 2018, where he made an impact at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, finishing 75th in the Little One for One Drop for $5,813. Since then, he has become a regular fixture at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), Asian Poker Tour (APT), and various World Poker Tour (WPT) events in Taipei and Cambodia.

Play Style & Strategy

Konishi is known for an aggressive and resilient play style, often finding ways to navigate through massive fields in both high-roller and deep-stack structures. His ability to double through opponents in high-pressure situations, demonstrated during the WPT Prime Taiwan Championship, highlights his tactical awareness and willingness to commit his stack when necessary. His consistent results across various formats, including turbos and deep-stack championships, suggest a versatile strategy that balances risk with a strong understanding of tournament dynamics.

Recent Attendances