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: 2026.01.08

Ao Chen is a professional poker player from China who has recently gained traction on the Asian tournament circuit. He is currently ranked among the rising players in the 2026 season following a series of consistent deep runs in major regional festivals like the Super Cup Jeju.

Career Earnings & Recent Results

According to the latest 2026 data from The Hendon Mob, Ao Chen has total live earnings of $3,560. While his current lifetime total is in the early stages of a professional career, his performance during the 2025–2026 turn has established him as a consistent contender in competitive mid-stakes fields.

Notable recent achievements include:

Super Cup Jeju (Dec 2025): Secured a 20th-place finish in the KRW 575,000 + 225,000 No Limit Hold’em – Mystery Bounty (Event #18) for KRW 1,900,000 (~$1,319).
Super Cup Jeju (Dec 2025): Recorded a 29th-place finish in the KRW 600,000 No Limit Hold’em – Jeju Cup (Event #9) for KRW 900,000 (~$623).
2026 Season Outlook: As of January 2026, he is an active participant in the major Asian circuit, with scheduled and ongoing stops including the WSOP International Circuit in Rozvadov and the APT Jeju Classic 2026.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Chen is part of a new generation of Chinese professionals focusing on the burgeoning high-stakes hubs of South Korea and Southeast Asia. He is a frequent participant in prestigious regional tours such as the Super Cup (SC) and the Asian Poker Tour (APT).

He is currently ranked 8,853rd on the China All Time Money List. Unlike high-profile veterans like Pete Chen (Taiwan) or established high-stakes regulars with similar names, Chen’s career is defined by high-volume participation in “Championship” side events and bounty formats where technical skill and resilience are paramount. He maintains a residence in China and primarily competes at premier venues like the Lotte Hotel Jeju.

Play Style & Strategy

Chen is recognized for a disciplined and opportunistic tournament strategy, particularly effective in Mystery Bounty and Jeju Cup formats. His ability to navigate large-field events into the deep money stages suggests a sharp understanding of tournament dynamics and stack preservation.

Observers of the Asian circuit note his calculated approach during the middle stages of multi-day events, utilizing a solid fundamental baseline to accumulate chips while minimizing unnecessary risk. Known for his focused table presence and analytical focus, Chen’s strategy emphasizes identifying high-equity spots to apply pressure on more conservative opponents, making him a constant threat in the ever-evolving Asian poker landscape.

Recent Attendances