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: 2026.01.10

Haonan Tian is a rising professional poker player from China who has become a prominent figure in the Asian high-stakes circuit. Known for his technical precision and frequent deep runs, he has established himself as a formidable regular in major regional series across South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Haonan Tian has total earnings of $207,821. His breakout performance on the international stage occurred during the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju in 2024, where he secured a massive victory in the APT High Roller event. Outlasting an elite field of professionals, he took home a career-best payout of $124,000, marking his first six-figure score and solidifying his position as a top-tier competitor in the region.

Tian has also maintained a high level of consistency on the World Poker Tour (WPT) circuit. In early 2025, he traveled to South Korea for WPT Korea, where he reached the final table of the Single Day High Roller, finishing 3rd for KRW 48,200,000 (∼$35,100). Additionally, he showcased his skills at Poker Dream Malaysia, placing 4th in the Deepstack Turbo for RM 28,500 (∼$6,750). His ability to navigate the high-variance fields of the APT and WPT has allowed him to climb steadily into the top 500 of the China All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Tian began his journey into the professional ranks by grinding mid-stakes live games before transitioning into the prestigious high-roller circuit. Unlike many of his peers who travel to Europe or the United States, Tian has strategically focused on the booming Asian poker market, particularly in South Korea’s Landing Casino and Vietnam’s Grand Loyal Poker Club. His professional demeanor and disciplined approach to the game have earned him respect among the community of elite Asian pros.

Play Style & Strategy

Tian is widely regarded for his highly analytical and GTO-oriented play style. He is particularly dangerous in high-roller formats where the blind structures are deeper, allowing him to utilize his post-flop edge and sophisticated 3-betting ranges. His strategy is characterized by an aggressive “red line” approach, constantly applying pressure on opponents to force mistakes in high-leverage situations. This technical proficiency, combined with a calm temperament during the bubble phase, makes him one of the most consistent trophy contenders on the current Asian circuit.

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