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

Jinguo Tao is a Chinese professional poker player who has established a steady presence within the competitive Asian poker landscape. He is widely recognized for his frequent participation in major regional festivals, particularly those hosted by the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and various championship series in South Korea and Vietnam.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $135,518. He achieved his career-best live score in 2024 at the Korea Poker Cup (KPC) in Jeju, where he navigated a highly competitive field to finish 3rd in the Main Event for KRW 82,400,000 (∼$59,624).

Tao has been remarkably consistent across the Southeast Asian circuit over the last two years. In 2025, he recorded a notable deep run at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Taipei, finishing 14th in a No Limit Hold’em event for TWD 112,000 (∼$3,485). His resume also includes significant results in Vietnam, such as a final table appearance at the Vietnam Series of Poker (VSOP) Championship, where he took home VND 185,000,000 (∼$7,580) for a 5th-place finish. Additionally, he has showcased his versatility by cashing in diverse formats, including a victory in a Turbo event at the Jeju Poker Festival for KRW 9,200,000 (∼$6,650).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Tao has become a “nomad” of the Asian poker scene, frequently traveling between the major hubs of Jeju, Taipei, and Hanoi. While he initially focused on domestic tournaments in mainland China, his transition to the international Asian Poker Tour (APT) and World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime circuits has seen him climb significantly on the China All Time Money List. His dedication to the grind is evident in his high volume of cashes across multiple jurisdictions, making him a well-respected regular among the mid-to-high stakes community.

Play Style & Strategy

Tao is known for a patient and exploitative tournament strategy, which allows him to excel in the large-field, high-variance events common in the Asian market. He is particularly adept at navigating the middle stages of tournaments, using a disciplined approach to preserve his stack before applying pressure during the money bubble and final table transitions. His ability to adjust to the aggressive tendencies of his opponents in the South Korean and Taiwanese circuits has been a key factor in his consistent reaching of final tables.

Recent Attendances