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

Bongcheol Choi is a professional poker player from South Korea who has established a steady presence in the Asian tournament circuit. Residing in South Korea, he is recognized for his frequent participation in major regional festivals, moving fluidly between mid-stakes events and specialized bounty formats.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Bongcheol Choi has accumulated total live earnings of $13,165. He currently holds the 2,001st position on the South Korea All Time Money List and ranks 155,219th globally.

His career-best live score came during the 2025 season at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila in the Philippines. Competing in the Mystery Big Bounty (Event #81), Choi secured a runner-up finish, banking PHP 245,456 (∼$4,298). His productive 2025 campaign also included a deep run at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju, where he consistently contended in large-field No Limit Hold’em events. These steady performances in regional flagship tournaments have solidified his status as a rising regular in the South Korean poker community.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Choi has built his professional foundation by grinding the diverse tournament landscapes of his home country and the Philippines. He is part of the growing wave of Korean talent that focuses on established international tours like the APPT and APT, frequently traveling to major hubs like Manila and Jeju. His trajectory shows a specialized focus on multi-day tournament structures, where he has demonstrated the resilience required to outlast competitive international fields.

Play Style & Strategy

Choi is recognized for his disciplined and calculated approach, particularly in high-paced tournament formats. His success in “Mystery Bounty” events suggests a strong understanding of bounty math and the ability to adjust his aggression based on the specific prize structures of the format. Known for a resilient mindset, he excels at navigating the high-variance nature of mid-stakes championships, often leveraging his solid fundamental knowledge to secure deep runs in prestigious series like the APPT.

Recent Attendances