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: 2026.01.02

Johnson Tan is a professional poker player from the Philippines who has established himself as a prominent and consistent competitor on the Southeast Asian tournament circuit. He is currently ranked 82nd on the Philippines All Time Money List and is recognized for his high-volume play at major regional hubs like Okada Manila.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Johnson Tan has total earnings of $157,693. His career reached a significant milestone in 2025 as he continued to climb the national leaderboards, having surpassed the $100,000 career earnings mark earlier in his professional trajectory.

His career-best live cash of $43,058 stands as a testament to his ability to compete in elite fields. In 2025, he recorded major scores including a 10th-place finish in the Philippine Poker Millions Main Event for PHP 700,000 (∼$12,260). He has also been a dominant force in the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) , notably winning the APPT Turbo event in 2024 for PHP 945,000 (∼$16,177) and securing a 126th-place finish in the 2025 APPT Manila Main Event for PHP 140,000 (∼$2,435). His international consistency is further evidenced by cashes in the World Poker Tour (WPT) in both the Philippines and Cambodia.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the Philippines and currently residing there, Tan has become a staple figure in the “New Era” of Asian poker. He is frequently seen competing at PokerStars LIVE Manila and the Metro Card Club in Pasig City, representing the surge of local talent in the region.

His professional journey is characterized by a relentless work rate; he has recorded dozens of cashes across major regional series including the Asian Poker Tour (APT), Manila Megastack, and Poker Dream. Tan’s ability to maintain a high level of performance over several years has made him one of the most respected mid-to-high stakes regulars in the Philippine poker community.

Play Style & Strategy

Tan is known for a versatile and resilient tournament strategy, demonstrating a particular proficiency in both No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. His results in fast-paced formats, such as his victory in the APPT Turbo, highlight an elite command of short-stack dynamics and high-pressure decision-making.

His strategy appears rooted in a disciplined accumulation of chips, allowing him to consistently survive the “bubble” phase and reach the final table in massive-field events like the Philippine Poker Millions. This tactical flexibility, combined with his experience navigating the aggressive dynamics of Asian fields, makes him a formidable opponent for both local grinders and visiting international professionals on the APT and APPT circuits.

Recent Attendances