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

Hoa Thinh Nguyen is a professional poker player from Vietnam who has established himself as a high-volume competitor in the Asian circuit. He is recognized for his frequent appearances at major regional festivals, particularly within his home country and the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Hoa Thinh Nguyen has total earnings of $219,115. He currently holds the 92nd position on the Vietnam All Time Money List and recently surpassed the $200,000 career milestone following a series of successful results in late 2025.

His career-best live cash of $77,929 was recorded during a standout performance on the international circuit. In 2025, Nguyen demonstrated his consistency with multiple high-stakes cashes. In October 2025, he secured $18,174 in the Philippines at the PokerStars Red Dragon. He followed this in November 2025 with strong results at the Vietnam Poker Tour – VPT Championship II in Phu Quoc, including a deep run in the Super Stars event for VND 80,000,000 (∼$4,619) and the Main Event for VND 26,000,000 (∼$3,038). Earlier in the year, he found success at APPT Cambodia, finishing 4th in the High Roller KO for $3,925 and cashing in the APPT Main Event for $5,920.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Vietnam and currently residing there, Nguyen has become a dedicated regular on the Southeast Asian poker tour. While his recorded tournament history includes results dating back to 2022, his activity surged significantly in 2024 and 2025 as he began traveling to international stops in South Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines. His rapid ascent through the national rankings, where he now sits among the top 100 players in Vietnam, establishes him as a premier mid-to-high stakes professional in the region.

Play Style & Strategy

Nguyen is known for a resilient and tactical tournament style, capable of navigating large, multi-day fields in Main Events and elite, high-pressure High Roller formats. His results in diverse structures, from the fast-paced High Roller KO to the deep-stacked VPT Championships, suggest a versatile strategic foundation. He is particularly effective in high-stakes fields where his ability to adjust his strategy to the specific table dynamics has earned him several top-ten finishes. This adaptability has allowed him to maintain a steady climb up the Vietnamese rankings, making him one of the most active and dangerous players currently grinding the Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances