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: 2026.05.14

Jansen Tiu is a prominent Filipino professional poker player and a rising force on the Asian poker circuit. Based in the Philippines, Tiu has become a household name in the mid-stakes community, particularly within the card rooms of Manila and Pasig City. Known for his volume and consistency in large-field events, Tiu has a reputation for navigating complex deep-stack structures. In 2026, he has reached a new career peak, securing several final table appearances at prestigious local festivals including the Okada Manila Millions and the Philippine Poker Tournament.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

As of May 2026, Jansen Tiu’s total live tournament earnings have surpassed $22,800 (according to The Hendon Mob). While he is a frequent face in the winner’s circle, his career-best single cash came in early 2025 at the APT Manila Classic, where he finished 3rd in the Philippines National Cup for $6,220. Tiu has carried that momentum into 2026, notably finishing 2nd in the Okada Manila Millions Warm-up PKO in April 2026 for $2,627. His steady climb up the Philippines All-Time Money List reflects a disciplined approach to the game’s modern “grind.”

Recent & Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2026	Okada Manila Millions Warm-up PKO (2nd)	$2,627
2025	APT Manila Classic – National Cup (3rd)	$6,220
2025	APPT Manila Championship Shot Clock (7th)	$1,620
2024	Manila Megastack 20 – 20/15/10 Event (2nd)	$938

Biography & Poker Background

Jansen Tiu’s poker journey is rooted in the competitive environment of the Metro Card Club and the high-octane atmosphere of Manila’s integrated resorts. Unlike many players who focus solely on high-roller events, Tiu has built his career on “putting in the hours” in grueling multi-day tournaments. His breakout period between 2024 and 2026 saw him transition from a local specialist to a regional threat, occasionally traveling to hubs like Taiwan to test his skills. By 2026, Tiu has earned his spot as a top-70 ranked player in the Philippines according to the Global Poker Index (GPI) 2026 Player of the Year standings.

Play Style & Strategy

Jansen Tiu is characterized by a high-frequency, adaptive tournament style. He excels in No-Limit Hold’em, particularly in Progressive Knockout (PKO) and Turbo formats where aggressive stack management is vital. His 2026 results at Okada Manila suggest a mastery of short-handed play and final table ICM pressure. Tiu often emphasizes the importance of volume and local meta-game knowledge, allowing him to exploit the tendencies of the diverse player pool found in the Philippines’ premier poker venues.