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: 2025.12.30

Battulga Ganbold is a professional poker player from the Mongolia who has established himself as a prominent figure in the Southeast Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) scenes.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Battulga Ganbold has total earnings of $85,646. He currently holds the 142nd position on the Philippines All Time Money List, reflecting a career marked by high volume and frequent deep runs in major regional festivals. His career-best live cash of $33,997 was earned in August 2024 at the APPT Manila 15, where he secured a runner-up finish in the Single Day High Roller for PHP 1,981,000.

Ganbold has maintained exceptional momentum throughout 2025, recording significant scores in the Philippines. In February 2025, he finished 2nd in the APT Manila Classic Turbo Double Stack event for PHP 304,000 (∼$5,286) and secured a deep run in the APT Main Event for PHP 94,000 (∼$1,635). Later in October 2025, he reached the final table of the APPT Open at the APPT Manila Championship, finishing 9th for PHP 420,000 (∼$7,237). His consistency extends to Vietnam, where he claimed a 7th-place finish in the APT Phu Quoc Freezeout for VND 45,560,000 (∼$1,804) in November 2024.

Biography & Poker Background

Based in the Philippines, Ganbold is a frequent traveler on the Asian poker trail, often competing in marquee events across Vietnam, South Korea, and his home country. He is recognized as a dedicated grinder of the mid-to-high stakes circuit, having successfully transitioned from smaller local events to becoming a regular threat in major tour series like the Manila Super Series and Manila Megastack.

His background as a professional is defined by his ability to maintain a high ranking in the Global Poker Index (GPI) for the Philippines, where he is currently ranked among the top 80 players. This ranking is supported by a relentless schedule that sees him competing in both high-speed “Turbo” formats and prestigious multi-day Main Events.

Play Style & Strategy

Ganbold is known for an adaptable and aggressive tournament strategy, particularly excelling in short-handed and fast-paced structures. His success in “Turbo Double Stack” and “High Roller” events suggests a strong technical foundation and the ability to apply maximum pressure in high-variance situations.

His ability to navigate elite fields is evidenced by his 2024 High Roller runner-up finish, where he outlasted a significant portion of the region’s top talent. Whether grinding the early stages of a National Cup or making high-stakes adjustments at a final table, Ganbold’s strategy relies on a disciplined understanding of tournament life and an exploitative edge against diverse international fields.

Recent Attendances