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

Junqiang Lyu is a Chinese professional poker player who has rapidly climbed the ranks of the international circuit, establishing himself as a formidable high-stakes competitor in both Asia and the United States.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $661,289. Lyu’s career reached new heights in 2024 and 2025, marked by a series of elite performances in high-roller environments. His career-best score came at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju 2024. Competing in the $15,000 No Limit Hold’em – 8-Handed (Event #2), he navigated a field of the world’s best players to finish 5th, earning a massive payout of $279,207.

Lyu has also proven his consistency on the American circuit. In June 2025, during the 56th World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, he secured a 5th-place finish in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em – Secret Bounty (Event #18), taking home $124,735. His versatility was further displayed in Jeju during the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju 2025, where he reached the final stages of the KRW 2,200,000 APT Main Event, outlasting hundreds of entries to solidify his status among the top 150 players on the China All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Liaoning, China, Lyu has transitioned from a regional standout to a global “road warrior.” While he built his initial reputation in major Asian festivals like the APT and Red Dragon Poker Tour, his recent focus has shifted toward the most prestigious stops on the calendar, including the Triton Series and the WSOP. Currently ranked within the top 40 of the China Global Poker Index (GPI), he is part of a dominant wave of Chinese professionals who have become mainstays in the world’s most expensive tournaments.

Play Style & Strategy

Lyu is recognized for a highly disciplined yet aggressive tournament strategy, particularly effective in the short-handed dynamics of high-roller final tables. His ability to maintain composure against world-class opposition in the Triton Series highlights a deep understanding of GTO principles combined with sharp exploitative adjustments. He is especially dangerous in “Bounty” and “Secret Bounty” formats, where his aggressive stack management allows him to capitalize on the unique ICM pressures of those events. Whether grinding a massive field in the WSOP or battling elite regulars in Jeju, Lyu remains a resilient and calculated threat.

Recent Attendances