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: 2026.01.05

Alessandro Taranto is an Italian professional poker player who has become a recognized force in the Southeast Asian tournament scene. While he began his career in the United Kingdom, he is now widely known as a high-stakes regular in major Manila-based festivals, including the APPT, Poker Dream, and Manila Megastack.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings are approximately $83,651. His career-defining performance occurred in May 2023 at the Poker Dream Manila Main Event, where he finished as the runner-up for PHP 3,460,000 (∼$62,263). In that event, Taranto staged a legendary comeback, recovering from a stack of just three big blinds to briefly hold the chip lead during a grueling three-and-a-half-hour heads-up battle against Edwin Dela Cruz.

Taranto has maintained significant momentum through 2025, recording a major 3rd-place finish in the APPT Manila Championship Mystery Bounty for PHP 850,000 (∼$14,560) in October 2025. Other notable results include:

APPT Manila 2022: 39th place in the Main Event for PHP 182,000 (∼$3,268).
Manila Megastack 17: 51st place in the Main Event for PHP 89,000 (∼$1,609).
WCOAP London (2015): 4th place in the Heads Up Championship.
APAT World Championship (2016): 1st place in the Cash Championship.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Italy, Taranto spent several years competing in the London poker circuit at venues like Aspers Casino, where he recorded his earliest tournament successes in the Amateur Poker Association & Tour (APAT) and WPT500 events. He eventually relocated his focus to Asia, where he is now a staple at premier Filipino venues such as Okada Manila and Newport World Resorts. He is currently ranked 11th on the all-time money list for Newport World Resorts and holds a career-high Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking within the top 40,000 players worldwide.

Play Style & Strategy

Taranto is known for a resilient and highly technical tournament strategy, often described as a player who excels in high-pressure, late-stage dynamics. His performance at the Poker Dream Manila final table showcased a patient and disciplined approach, successfully navigating a field of 499 entries and eliminating high-profile players like David Erquiaga. He is particularly effective in heads-up and small-field situations, where his technical foundation and ability to manage volatile stack sizes, exemplified by his recovery from the brink of elimination, make him a formidable opponent.

Recent Attendances