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: 2026.01.05

Gwanghyeon Han is a South Korean professional poker player who has quickly established himself as a rising competitor in the Southeast Asian tournament circuit, particularly within major festivals in the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $9,047. His career-best cash of PHP 300,000 (∼$5,178) was achieved in July 2024 at the APPT Manila Championship, where he secured a 1st place victory in the PHP 15,000 No Limit Hold’em Deepstack (Event #6).

Han has been increasingly active in the Manila poker scene throughout 2024 and 2025:

APPT Manila Championship (July 2024): Won the Deepstack event for PHP 300,000.
Manila Megastack 21 (January 2025): Recorded a deep run in the PHP 45,000 Main Event, finishing in the money.
APT Manila (November 2024): Secured multiple cashes across preliminary and side events, contributing to his steady climb in the regional rankings.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Han has transitioned from the domestic Korean circuit to becoming a regular fixture in major Asian poker hubs, most notably at Okada Manila in the Philippines. He is currently ranked 2,692nd on the South Korea All Time Money List and has shown a consistent upward trajectory in the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings, reaching a career-high rank within the top 30,000 players worldwide in late 2025. His success is part of the “new wave” of Korean professionals who have found significant success in the high-volume, aggressive tournament structures of the Filipino circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Han is known for a resilient and opportunistic tournament strategy, particularly excelling in the high-pressure dynamics of Deepstack and Turbo formats. His victory in the APPT Manila Deepstack event demonstrated a strong technical foundation and the ability to maintain a chip lead through aggressive post-flop play in large-field environments. Whether navigating the multi-day flights of a major championship or managing a short stack in a fast-paced side event, his patient accumulation and tactical adjustments to the local play style make him a formidable threat at any final table in the Asian market.

Recent Attendances