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: 2025.12.12

Christian Lortie-Cloutier is a Canadian professional poker player who has experienced a breakout year in 2025 on the Asian poker circuit. He has rapidly built a reputation as a dominant force in the Philippines, capturing multiple titles in major festivals like the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and the Manila Megastack.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to the Hendon Mob, Christian Lortie has amassed $49,944 in total live earnings, with the vast majority of his results occurring in a prolific 2025 campaign. His resume is headlined by a series of outright victories, a rare feat for a player so early in their tracked career. His largest career score came in October 2025 at the APPT Manila Championship, where he won the ₱20,000 Kickoff event. He topped a massive field to secure the trophy and a payout of ₱1,650,000 ($28,411), which stands as his best live cash to date.

Lortie has proven to be a serial winner in Manila, specifically during the Manila Megastack 23 in late 2025. On November 30, 2025, he claimed victory in a No Limit Hold’em event for ₱196,350 ($3,353). Just two days prior, he won the Hyper Turbo event for ₱48,844 ($831). He nearly added a third title during the same festival, finishing as the runner-up in the Showtime Hyper Turbo on December 3, 2025, for ₱79,000 ($1,350).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Canada, Lortie has shifted his focus to the thriving poker scene in Southeast Asia. His sudden emergence as a multi-title winner in the Philippines suggests a player who has either transitioned from online poker or traveled specifically to exploit the value in Asian tournament fields. His ability to close out tournaments is exceptional; in 2025 alone, he secured at least three victories and multiple final table appearances across different festivals in Manila. This high conversion rate from deep runs to trophies marks him as one of the most efficient grinders currently competing in the region.

Play Style & Strategy

Lortie’s results indicate a versatile skill set that excels in both large-field “opener” events and fast-structured turbos. His victory in the Okada Kickoff demonstrates the patience and stamina required to navigate huge fields over multiple days. Conversely, his consistent success in Hyper Turbo and Showtime events reveals a mastery of short-stack poker and high-pressure ICM spots. This combination of deep-stack discipline and push-fold precision makes him a double threat, capable of accumulating chips early and closing aggressively when the blinds get high.