Edwin Dela Cruz Poker Profile, Stats & Net Worth (2026)

Edwin Dela Cruz, popularly known by his moniker “Hit D’ Heat,” is a top-tier Filipino professional poker player and a major titleholder, widely considered one of the most consistent performers in the modern Asian poker circuit.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With over $389,000 in total live earnings, Edwin Dela Cruz currently sits 33rd on the Philippines All Time Money List. His career-defining moment came in May 2023, when he won the Poker Dream Manila Main Event, outlasting a massive field to take home a premier trophy and $99,518. Dela Cruz has maintained a blistering pace through 2025 and early 2026, recently recording a string of deep runs at Manila Megastack 24 in March 2026, including a 4th place finish in the SuperStack Hyper Turbo for $781 and a cash in the Main Event. His 2025 season was highlighted by a massive runner-up finish in the APPT Manila National for $33,252. These consistent five-figure scores have solidified a high poker net worth and established him as a regular in the region’s most prestigious events.

For a detailed breakdown of all his tournament cashes, you can view the Edwin Dela Cruz Hendon Mob Profile.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from the Philippines, Dela Cruz has become a staple of the Manila poker scene, frequently seen at the Metro Card Club and Okada Manila. He rose to international prominence during the post-pandemic poker boom, earning his nickname “Hit D’ Heat” for his ability to go on incredible “sun-runs” and dominate final tables. Unlike many theoretical grinders, Edwin is a product of the high-action Filipino live circuit, having spent years climbing from local small-stakes games to the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and PokerStars Live main stages. His victory at Poker Dream 2023 cemented his status as a national poker hero and a leading representative for Filipino talent on the global stage.

Play Style & Strategy

Dela Cruz is recognized for a high-pressure, exploitative play style that blends traditional Filipino aggression with a sharp tactical mind. He is particularly dangerous in shorthanded and heads-up play, where his willingness to play large pots and his ability to induce mistakes from his opponents are most effective. His strategy often involves “leveraging the heat”—using a large stack to bully mid-tier players during the bubble phase of a tournament. This relentless approach, combined with a seasoned understanding of live tells and table dynamics, makes him one of the most feared “closers” in the Asian Poker Tour today. His recent results in “Hyper Turbo” and “Survivor” formats further demonstrate his versatility across various game structures.