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: 2025.12.18

Katsutoshi Watanabe is a Japanese professional poker player who has become a frequent and successful competitor on the Asian poker circuit, particularly in the Philippines. He is widely recognized for his deep runs in major regional festivals like the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and various Manila-based tournament series.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Katsutoshi Watanabe has total live earnings of $6,855. He has quickly established himself as a title-winner, securing his career-best result and first major victory at the Manila Megastack 23 at PokerStars LIVE Manila in November 2025. In that series, he outlasted the field in the SuperStack Freezeout to claim the top prize of PHP 137,316 (~$2,340).

His other significant scores include a deep final table appearance at the APPT Manila Championship 2025, where he finished 8th in the APPT Mini Championship for PHP 193,000 (~$3,290). Additionally, he showcased his ability to navigate massive fields by finishing 20th out of 525 entries in the Okada Kickoff event during the same APPT series, earning PHP 71,000 (~$1,225).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Watanabe has emerged as a dedicated regular in the booming Asian poker market. While his early poker background remains relatively private, his recent trajectory shows a sharp focus on high-volume tournament play in Manila’s premier venues. He has successfully transitioned from a regional player to a consistent threat in international fields, often competing alongside top Filipino and South Korean professionals.

Play Style & Strategy

Watanabe is known for a resilient and tactical tournament style, excelling in both freezeout and deep-stack formats. His recent win in a SuperStack event highlights a strategy that favors patient accumulation and effective stack management in the middle and late stages of play. His ability to consistently reach deep in large-field events like the APPT Kickoff suggests strong fundamental awareness and an adaptable approach to varied field dynamics.

Recent Attendances