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: 2026.01.08

Hyungjae Ham is a South Korean professional poker player who has quickly risen to prominence as a championship-caliber talent on the domestic circuit. Known for his technical precision and ability to close out final tables, Ham is a major title winner in South Korea’s highly competitive tournament landscape.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to the latest 2026 data from The Hendon Mob and regional tournament trackers, Hyungjae Ham has established a significant professional resume. His career is defined by his ability to capture first-place trophies in major regional series.

Notable career highlights include:

7th KPT (Korea Poker Tournament) Championship: Secured a major title by finishing 1st Place in the KRW 1,500,000 No Limit Hold’em event. In a field of elite local professionals, Ham took home the champion’s purse of KRW 42,000,000 (~$32,959).
Super Cup Jeju (Jan 2026): Recorded multiple deep runs during the prestigious New Year festival at the Lotte Hotel Jeju, contributing to his current standing in the 2026 Player of the Year race.
Domestic Circuit Success: He is a frequent finalist in the Korea Series of Poker (KSOP) and Ace Poker League (APL), consistently navigating through massive fields in Seoul and Incheon.
Global Ranking: As of early 2026, he has crossed into the upper tiers of the South Korea All Time Money List, marking him as one of the most successful players of the modern “poker pub to casino” transition.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Ham is a prominent member of the “new generation” of Korean professionals. He built his foundational skills in the high-volume, high-pressure environments of the South Korean poker club scene before transitioning to the international-standard structures of major tours like the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Super Cup.

Ham is a regular fixture at premier venues such as Paradise City in Incheon and the Landing Casino in Jeju. His breakthrough victory at the KPT Championship solidified his reputation as a “big-game player,” capable of maintaining focus during grueling multi-day events. Unlike many grinders who focus on high-frequency min-cashes, Ham has developed a reputation for being a “finisher,” often turning deep runs into podium finishes.

Play Style & Strategy

Ham is recognized for a sophisticated, GTO-influenced (Game Theory Optimal) play style, which he adapts effectively to exploit the specific tendencies of East Asian fields. He is particularly dangerous in “Championship” and “High Roller” formats, where the deeper structures allow him to utilize his superior post-flop technical skills.

Observers of the South Korean circuit note his aggressive but calculated approach to the bubble and final table play. He is known for his mental composure and an ability to apply maximum pressure on opponents while maintaining a balanced range. His success in both standard No Limit Hold’em and high-pressure tournament series makes him one of the most versatile and feared players currently active on the South Korean professional circuit.

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