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: 2025.12.19

Alexis Cruz is a Filipino professional poker player who has become a staple of the Asian poker circuit, particularly excelling in large-field events across the Philippines and Taiwan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Alexis Cruz has total earnings of $48,014. His career-best live cash of ₱276,000 ($4,990) was achieved in December 2023 at the Manila Megastack 17, where he finished 13th in the Main Event.

Cruz has maintained a highly active presence in major regional tours. In July 2025, he secured a deep run in the Asia Pacific Poker Tour – APPT Manila, finishing 118th in the Main Event for ₱160,000 ($2,783). He also demonstrated his skill on the Asian Poker Tour (APT) circuit, cashing in the February 2025 APT Manila Classic Main Event for ₱132,000 ($2,295). Beyond the Philippines, he has found success in the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) in Taipei, including a 6th-place finish in a High Roller event for NTD 136,000 ($4,147) in July 2024. These consistent scores across the WPT , APT, and APPT have solidified his standing on the Philippines All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the Philippines, where he currently resides, Cruz began building his reputation in the local Metro Card Club scene in Pasig City. He quickly transitioned from regional events like the RVS Cup and Metro Summer Event to the broader international stage. His career is defined by high-volume grinding, frequently appearing in diverse series such as the ACE Poker League (APL) and Manila Super Series. This relentless work rate has made him one of the most recognizable faces in the burgeoning Southeast Asian poker market.

Play Style & Strategy

Cruz is known for a resilient and volume-heavy play style, excelling in the technical fields of No Limit Hold’em. His ability to navigate deep into massive fields, as seen in his Manila Megastack and APPT runs, demonstrates strong ICM awareness and patience during the bubble phases of major championships. He is particularly effective in adjusting his strategy between local exploitative games and the more GTO-focused environments of major international tours like the Asian Poker Tour.

Recent Attendances