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

Hongbo Pan is a professional poker player from China who has recently surfaced as a rising talent in the Asian tournament circuit. Primarily focused on major regional stops in South Korea and Malaysia, he has quickly established a reputation for his ability to navigate massive fields in the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and various High Roller festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob and its total earnings, Hongbo Pan has accumulated $64,615 in total live winnings. His career reached a significant high point in 2025 during the Gods of Poker (GOP) – Eden Awakens Jeju festival in South Korea, where he triumphed in a No Limit Hold’em event to secure a first-place prize of KRW 8,300,000 (∼$6,100).

Pan’s 2025 campaign has been defined by his high volume of deep runs. One of his most notable scores came at the K Poker Cup Series, where he cashed in the Main Event for KRW 3,000,000 (∼$2,200). He also showcased his skill on the Asian Poker Tour (APT), finishing 61st in the prestigious Zodiac Classic at APT Jeju 2025 for $3,900. Additionally, he recorded a deep run in the Poker Dream 18 Malaysia Main Event, outlasting a massive field of nearly 2,000 entries to finish 192nd for MYR 8,200 (∼$1,800). His career-best single prize of $23,645 stands as a testament to his growing presence in the regional mid-to-high stakes scene.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from China, Pan has transitioned from a regional competitor into a consistent traveler on the international circuit. While his early recorded cashes were centered around mainland festivals, his breakthrough in 2025 saw him targeting major gambling hubs like Jeju and Kuala Lumpur. He is a frequent participant in the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Asian Poker Tour (APT) series, leveraging these platforms to climb the China All Time Money List. His professional trajectory is marked by a disciplined move from daily tournaments into elite championships, earning him a place among the most active Chinese representatives in the Asia-Pacific region.

Play Style & Strategy

Pan is known for a calculated and resilient play style, excelling particularly in large-field No Limit Hold’em structures. His success in events like the Poker Dream Main Event and the APT Zodiac Classic highlights a strong grasp of ICM awareness and the ability to maintain focus throughout multi-day grinds. On the felt, he is recognized for his patient accumulation during the early levels, often using his short-stack technical proficiency to navigate the “bubble” phase with precision. His strategy balances traditional solid play with aggressive adjustments in high-stakes side events, making him a formidable opponent at any final table.

Recent Attendances