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: 2026.01.07

Dong Hou is a Chinese professional poker player known for his high-volume grinding and consistent results across the Asian circuit, widely recognized as a regular in the South Korean and regional high-stakes scene.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $69,743. Hou has built a reputation as a fierce competitor on major tours, including the World Poker Tour (WPT) and the Asian Poker Tour (APT) . His breakout performance came in March 2024 at WPT Korea in Jeju, where he finished 2nd in the KRW 850,000 Deepstack (Event #8) for a career-best score of KRW 16,320,000 (∼$12,105).

He has maintained this momentum throughout 2025, securing significant cashes at APT Jeju, where he finished 15th in the KRW 4,500,000 Single Day High Roller for KRW 11,490,000 (∼$8,206). His versatility is further highlighted by a victory at the Super Cup in Jeju, winning the KRW 400,000 Bubble Rush for KRW 2,400,000 (∼$1,654), alongside multiple final table appearances in Poker Dream and TJPT events.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Hou has become one of the most active players in the burgeoning South Korean poker market. He is frequently seen competing in major festivals in Jeju and Incheon, often transitioning between high-roller fields and massive field national cups. His trajectory shows a player who has mastered the regional landscape, effectively navigating the diverse fields of the MPT Macau Poker Open and Poker Dream Malaysia.

Play Style & Strategy

Hou is known for an aggressive and adaptable play style, excelling in the high-pressure environments of No Limit Hold’em turbo and bounty formats. His ability to navigate deep into fields, evidenced by his frequent final table appearances in fast-structured events, demonstrates a keen understanding of short-stack dynamics and ICM pressure. Whether competing in a high-stakes APT High Roller or a local Super Cup event, his strategy focuses on relentless chip accumulation and leveraging his experience against varied opponent types.

Recent Attendances