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: 2025.12.30

Joonghoon Eom is a South Korean professional poker player who has become a rising competitor in the Southeast Asian tournament scene, specifically recognized for his activity within the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and major regional festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Joonghoon Eom has total earnings of $50,601. He currently sits within the top 300 on the South Korea All Time Money List, a position he continues to build through frequent cashes in mid-stakes Asian fields. His career-best live cash of $7,418 underscores his capability as a deep-run threat in competitive regional tournaments.

Eom has been active in 2025, recording significant results in the Philippines. In July 2025, he secured a cash at the APPT Manila, finishing 61st in the PHP 35,000 No Limit Hold’em APPT National (Event #8). His resume also includes consistent performances in his home country, where he has successfully navigated large-field events at venues in Seoul and Incheon. These results have contributed to his steady climb in the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings, where he has reached a career-best position within the top 61,000 players worldwide.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea and currently residing in Seoul, Eom has established himself as a dedicated member of the traveling South Korean poker contingent. He is part of a generation of Korean players who have increasingly focused on the booming markets of Manila, Taipei, and Vietnam while maintaining a strong presence in the domestic “Hold’em” pub and stadium culture.

His professional trajectory shows a transition from a local specialist to an international regular, frequently appearing in tournament updates for marquee series like the APPT. His high-volume approach and ability to secure multiple results in diverse locations highlight his commitment to the regional poker grind.

Play Style & Strategy

Eom is recognized for a disciplined and resilient tournament strategy, often excelling in the high-pressure “National” and “Main Event” structures that require long-term patience. His success in navigating through hundreds of entrants, as seen in his APPT Manila deep run, suggests a strong foundation in mid-to-late stage tournament dynamics.

His strategy appears to be well-adapted for the competitive Southeast Asian landscape, where he balances technically sound play with the situational awareness needed to exploit varied aggression levels found in regional fields. This tactical adaptability makes him a formidable opponent, whether he is grinding the early stages of a large-field No Limit Hold’em event or fighting for a spot at a final table.

Recent Attendances