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: 2025.12.20

Dean Chihoon is a professional poker player from South Korea who has established himself as a consistent competitor on the Asian tournament circuit, particularly in the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Dean Chihoon has accumulated total live earnings of $1,203. While he is in the early stages of building his international profile, he has already recorded several deep runs in major regional festivals at the PokerStars LIVE Manila .

His career-best score came in December 2025 at Manila Megastack 23. Competing against a large international field, he finished 14th in the PHP 20,000 No Limit Hold’em – Mystery Bounty (Event #14) for PHP 65,000 (∼$1,114).

Other notable tournament appearances include:

APPT Manila Championship (October 2025): He recorded a finish in this prestigious regional series, further establishing his presence among the Asian regular circuit.
APPT Manila Deepstack (2023): He secured a 31st-place finish in a technical PHP 15,000 No Limit Hold’em field, demonstrating his longevity in the Manila-based competitive scene.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Chihoon is currently ranked 9,173rd on the South Korea All Time Money List. He is part of the robust community of South Korean players who frequent the booming poker hubs of Southeast Asia. While many players focus on high-variance domestic events, Chihoon’s 2025 results show a dedicated commitment to international tours such as the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and the Manila Megastack.

Play Style & Strategy

Chihoon is recognized for a disciplined and tactical approach to tournament poker, particularly excelling in Deepstack and Mystery Bounty formats. His ability to navigate deep into the money in events featuring hundreds of entries, such as the Manila Megastack Mystery Bounty, indicates a strong command of short-stack push-fold dynamics and the tactical patience required for deep championship-level runs. By successfully competing in multiple major series across several years, he demonstrates a versatile strategy that effectively balances survival with aggressive chip accumulation during critical tournament phases.

Recent Attendances