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

Pham Bao, often referred to as Ngoc Quoc Bao Pham, is a Vietnamese professional poker player who has become a staple of the Asian poker circuit. He is widely recognized for his consistency in high-stakes fields and his ability to navigate deep into major championship events across Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $532,706. He has achieved significant milestones on the world stage, including deep runs in the United States and across Southeast Asia. One of his most notable performances occurred in July 2024 at the WPT Cambodia – Passport to the World Championship, where he finished 6th in the WPT Championship for $37,010. During that same series, he also secured a runner-up finish in the Deepstack Mini High Roller for $13,846.

His momentum continued into 2025, where he showcased his skills at the APPT Manila Championship in the Philippines. He placed 14th in the APPT National for PHP 170,000 (∼$2,925) and followed it with a 27th-place finish in the APPT Mini Championship for PHP 63,000 (∼$1,074). Additionally, he has found success in the APT, notably finishing 9th in the APT Phu Quoc Main Event in November 2024 for VND 352,000,000 (∼$13,941). Other significant scores include a runner-up finish in the Manila Super Series 20 High Roller for PHP 924,000 (∼$15,797).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Vietnam, Bao has transitioned from a local competitor to an international regular. He is part of a growing wave of Vietnamese talent that has begun to dominate regional tours like the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the U Series of Poker (USOP).

His career is marked by a relentless volume of play, often cashing multiple times within a single festival. Whether competing in the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas, where he finished 274th for $19,600 in December 2024, or grinding the Poker Dream series in Jeju and Hoi An, his presence is felt at every major stop in the Asia-Pacific region.

Play Style & Strategy

Bao is known for a highly disciplined and technical approach to the game, particularly in the “Mini High Roller” and “Championship” formats. He excels in navigating large-field No Limit Hold’em tournaments, where his patience and ICM awareness have earned him numerous final table appearances.

His ability to switch between the aggressive demands of short-handed bounty events and the more calculated requirements of deep-stack championships makes him a versatile threat. His performance in heads-up situations, such as his runner-up finish against China’s Shaoshua Li, demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency even under the intense pressure of a trophy hunt.

Recent Attendances