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

Hyunyeol Choi is a South Korean professional poker player who has quickly emerged as a standout talent on the Asian tournament circuit. With a calculated approach and a high “In The Money” (ITM) frequency, Choi has established himself as a dominant presence in South Korea’s most prestigious festivals, including the Super Cup and KSOP.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to the latest 2026 data from Somuchpoker and The Hendon Mob, Hyunyeol Choi has total live earnings of $196,553. His career trajectory reached a definitive peak during the Super Cup Jeju 2025–2026 festival at the Lotte Hotel Jeju, where he delivered a series of elite performances that significantly boosted his professional standing.

Notable career highlights include:

Super Cup Jeju (Jan 2026): Finished 2nd in the KRW 1,000,000 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event for $92,204, his largest single live cash to date.
Super Cup Jeju (Jan 2026): Secured an 8th-place finish in the KRW 1,500,000 Single Day High Roller for $2,216.
WPL x KSOP Seoul (2024): Recorded a deep run in the Main Event, finishing 12th for $10,112.
WSOP Las Vegas (2024): Logged his first American result, finishing 189th in the $1,000 Freezeout (Event #80) for $1,370.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Choi is a key member of the new generation of Korean players who have mastered the “poker pub” meta and transitioned successfully to international casino environments. He is a frequent participant in major regional tours, including the Asian Poker Tour (APT), Korea Series of Poker (KSOP), and the Super Cup (SC).

While he initially built his bankroll in mid-stakes deepstack tournaments in Seoul and Incheon, his recent success in the high-stakes fields of Jeju has marked his transition into a premier regional professional. Choi is a regular fixture at the Landing Casino and Paradise City, often competing against international fields from China, Japan, and Taiwan.

Play Style & Strategy

Choi is recognized for a disciplined, fundamental-heavy play style that emphasizes patience and precise stack preservation. He excels in the deep-stacked structures favored by the Super Cup, where his ability to navigate multi-day events and maintain mental focus has led to a high final table conversion rate.

His strategy is particularly effective in “Freezeout” and “Main Event” formats, where he utilizes his sharp understanding of ICM (Independent Chip Model) to apply pressure on shorter stacks during the bubble and final table phases. Known for his calm table presence, Choi is considered one of the most resilient grinders on the South Korean circuit, often turning modest starting stacks into championship-contending finishes.

Recent Attendances