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: 2026.01.09

Haoran Yang is a Chinese professional poker player who has become a steady presence on the Asian tournament circuit. He is primarily known for his consistent deep runs in Jeju, South Korea, where he has established himself as a specialized “grinder” in mid-stakes championship events.

Career Earnings & Recent Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $23,530. While his total volume is still developing compared to some high-roller veterans, Yang has maintained a high “cash-to-entry” ratio in 2025.

His most significant results have come from the competitive fields of the Korea Poker Cup (KPC) and the Asian Poker Tour (APT) :

K Poker Cup (KPC) Jeju 2025: Secured a deep run in the KRW 1,300,000 Main Event, outlasting a large field of over 1,200 entries to finish in the middle-stages of the money, contributing significantly to his 2025 earnings.
KPC Mystery Bounty: Demonstrated his skill in bounty formats by reaching the final day of the KRW 900,000 Mystery Bounty in April 2025.
Regional Cashes: He has recorded multiple cashes in Taipei and Macau, focusing on “National Cup” and “Mini Main Event” structures that offer high value for mid-stakes professionals.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Yang is part of the “new wave” of Chinese players who have turned South Korea into their primary professional base. He is a frequent traveler between the Landing Casino in Jeju and the CTP (Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association) venues in Taiwan.

Yang’s professional trajectory is defined by a disciplined approach to bankroll management. Rather than jumping immediately into $10,000+ High Rollers, he has built his reputation by consistently beating the $1,000–$2,500 buy-in “bread and butter” events of the Asian circuit. He currently ranks within the top 2,500 on the China All Time Money List and is climbing the Global Poker Index (GPI) regional rankings.

Play Style & Strategy

Yang is recognized for a tight-aggressive (TAG) tournament strategy, which is particularly effective in the large-field, high-variance events common in Asian festivals.

Stack Preservation: He is known for a patient early-game style, prioritizing stack preservation to ensure he reaches the “In The Money” (ITM) phase with enough leverage to apply pressure.
Bounty Specialist: His success in Mystery Bounty formats suggests a sophisticated understanding of the mathematical adjustments required when hunting for bounties versus playing for traditional ladder jumps.
Mental Stamina: In long-form “Championship” events, Yang has shown the ability to maintain a high level of technical play through 12-hour sessions, a trait that has led to his high frequency of “Day 3” appearances in Jeju.

Recent Attendances