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: 2025.12.23

Changnam Son is a South Korean professional poker player who has become a prominent figure in the Asian poker circuit, known for his high-volume play and consistent results in major regional festivals across the Philippines and South Korea. He is recognized for his tactical flexibility, competing in various formats ranging from standard No Limit Hold’em to specialized games like Badugi.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Changnam Son has total earnings of $29,055. He currently holds the 1,038th position on the South Korea All Time Money List. His career-best live cash of $5,146 came in June 2024 at the Manila Super Series 20, where he finished 2nd in the PHP 12,000 No Limit Hold’em – Double Stack.

The 2024 and 2025 seasons have been particularly productive for Son. In October 2024, he secured a runner-up finish in the Asia Pacific Poker Tour – APPT Manila Championship PHP 15,000 Knockout Challenge for PHP 181,868 (~$3,141). In 2025, he continued his success at the APPT Manila, finishing 3rd in the PHP20,000 SuperStack Turbo for PHP 282,000 (~$4,867) and 4th in the PHP 15,000 Badugi event for PHP 51,500 (~$890). Additionally, he captured a victory in June 2025 at Manila Super Series 22, winning the PHP 8,000 Badugi title for PHP 49,590 (~$888).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea and currently residing there, Son has transitioned into a dedicated “circuit grinder” with a primary focus on the Southeast Asian market. While his recorded tournament history includes results from early 2024 at the Korea Series of Poker (KSOP) and Poker Dream 8 Malaysia, his activity surged significantly throughout late 2024 and 2025 as he became a staple at PokerStars Live Manila and Asian Poker Tour (APT) events. His consistent performance has allowed him to maintain a high ranking in the Global Poker Index among South Korean professionals.

Play Style & Strategy

Son is known for an adaptable and resilient tournament style, demonstrating technical proficiency across a wide array of poker variants beyond traditional hold’em. His victory and final table appearances in Badugi highlight a specialized skill set in draw games, while his deep runs in high-pressure Turbo and Knockout formats demonstrate strong technical play in short-stacked environments. Whether navigating the massive fields of a Main Event or the condensed, tactical lineups of a Double Stack tournament, Son’s ability to adjust his strategy to the specific game format makes him a versatile and dangerous opponent on the Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances