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

Gi Boum Kim is a South Korean professional poker player who has rapidly emerged as a standout competitor in the Asian poker circuit during the 2025 season. He is widely recognized for his high-volume play and ability to secure deep runs in premier festivals across Taiwan, the Philippines, and Australia.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Gi Boum Kim has total earnings of $271,777. He recently surpassed the $200,000 career milestone following a dominant string of results in late 2025. His career-best live cash of $51,105 occurred in November 2025 at the Asian Poker Tour – APT Championship Taipei, where he outlasted a 263-entry field to win the NTD 35,000 NLH Freezeout title.

The 2025 season served as a major breakout for Kim, characterized by numerous final table appearances. In July 2025, he secured a runner-up finish in the Asia Pacific Poker Tour – APPT Manila Open for PHP 2,581,000 (∼$45,263). He also found significant success on the World Poker Tour (WPT) circuit, finishing 2nd in the WPT Prime Taiwan Turbo High Roller for NTD 553,800 (∼$18,462) and 5th in the WPT Prime Taiwan High Roller for NTD 678,000 (∼$22,586). Additionally, he recorded a deep run at WPT Australia, finishing 49th in the Championship event for AUD 11,742 (∼$7,677).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea and a resident of Seoul, Kim has transitioned into a dedicated “circuit grinder” with a primary focus on high-stakes festivals in Asia and Oceania. While his recorded tournament history includes regional cashes in South Korea dating back to 2023, his professional activity surged in 2024 and 2025 as he expanded his reach to international stops like Manila, Taipei, and Sydney. His rapid ascent through the rankings has established him as a premier mid-to-high stakes professional in the South Korean community.

Play Style & Strategy

Kim is known for a resilient and tactical tournament style, demonstrating technical proficiency in navigating both large-field Freezeout events and high-pressure High Roller formats. His victory in the APT Taipei Freezeout highlights his ability to maintain fundamental discipline over long stretches of play, while his runner-up finish in the WPT Prime Turbo High Roller demonstrates a strong grasp of short-stacked technical play and aggression. Whether outlasting massive fields in the APPT Open or competing against elite professionals in WPT High Rollers, Kim’s adaptability and poise in late-stage tournament dynamics make him a formidable opponent at any final table.

Recent Attendances