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: 2026.01.23

Joshua Chargualaf is a professional poker player from Guam who has established himself as a dominant force in the Southeast Asian poker circuit, particularly within the Philippines. He is a frequent contender in major regional festivals, consistently appearing at the final tables of the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the World Poker Tour (WPT) .

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $107,742. Chargualaf has built a reputation for consistency, securing multiple titles and high-stakes cashes across Manila’s premier poker venues. His career-best live cash of $24,317 came in September 2018 at APT Manila, where he finished 3rd in the PHP 75,000 + 7,500 No Limit Hold’em – Championships Event for PHP 1,312,200.

His resume is highlighted by several victories, including a 1st-place finish at APT Manila in 2019 in the Monster Stack event for $19,643 (PHP 1,022,000) and another title at WPT Philippines in 2020 in the PHP 15,000 Turbo for $4,725 (PHP 240,000). More recently, he demonstrated his enduring skill at the 2025 PokerStars APPT Manila Championship, finishing 22nd in the APPT Championship for PHP 505,000 (∼$8,650). He also secured a 3rd-place finish in the Deepstack event at Manila Megastack 17 for PHP 90,700 (∼$1,645).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Guam, Chargualaf is one of the most successful players to emerge from the territory, reaching the $100,000 milestone in career earnings primarily through his exploits in the Philippines. He has become a fixture in the Manila poker scene, traveling regularly to compete at Okada Manila and other major hubs. His trajectory shows a deep commitment to the Asian circuit, where he often competes alongside fellow Guam-based players and regional pros in high-volume festivals like the APPT and Manila Super Series.

Play Style & Strategy

Joshua Chargualaf is known for a resilient and aggressive tournament style, often excelling in high-pressure “Monster Stack” and “Championship” formats. Live reporting has frequently highlighted his ability to accumulate massive stacks early in tournaments, as seen during the 2025 APT Manila Classic where he bagged one of the top chip counts heading into Day 2 of the Main Event. His technical proficiency in navigating both deep-stacked fields and fast-paced turbo structures demonstrates a versatile strategic foundation, making him a perennial threat on the mid-to-high stakes Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances