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: 2026.01.02

Ngoc Anh Cao is a prominent Vietnamese professional poker player who has become a fixture of the Asian live circuit, widely recognized for his high-volume play and consistent results in major regional festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Ngoc Anh Cao has total live earnings of $937,360. He currently sits 14th on the Vietnam All Time Money List, a testament to his longevity and success in the game. One of his most significant recent scores came at the APPT Manila Championship 2025, where he finished 8th in the PokerStars Red Dragon event for PHP 2,420,000 (∼$42,100).

In early 2025, he also secured a deep run at the APT Taipei, finishing 9th in the Ultra Stack Championship for NTD 315,000 (∼$9,800). His career is marked by numerous title victories in his home country, including a win at the Royal Poker High Roller Series in Hanoi for VND 622,000,000 (∼$24,901) and a first-place finish in the WPT Vietnam Series Opener for VND 550,000,000 (∼$22,140).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Vietnam, Cao has built a reputation as one of the most hardworking “grinders” in the South East Asian poker scene. He transitioned from a local competitor to an international regular, reaching the prestigious $500,000 career earnings milestone in 2023. Cao is a frequent traveler to major stops in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Malaysia, often appearing as a chip leader in prestigious events like the WPT Cambodia Mystery Bounty.

Play Style & Strategy

Known for a high-pressure and aggressive tournament style, Cao excels at accumulating chips during the middle and bubble phases of a tournament. His ability to navigate massive fields is evidenced by his frequent deep runs in flagship events like the WPT Prime and APT Main Events. Cao’s strategy often involves relentless aggression, as seen in his 5th-place finish at the 2020 PokerStars Red Dragon Manila High Roller, where he secured PHP 1,773,000 (∼$34,675) after a series of bold shoves.

Recent Attendances