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: 2025.12.20

Kazuha Tsuruta is a Japanese poker player who has established a presence in the Southeast Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the Philippines and Japan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Kazuha Tsuruta has accumulated total live earnings of $2,097. She is currently ranked 3,480th on the Japan All Time Money List and holds a Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 111,089th.

Her career-best score came in July 2025 at the All Japan Poker Championship (AJPC) Samurai Circuit Philippines in Manila. Tsuruta finished 44th in the PHP 17,600 + 2,400 No Limit Hold’em – AJPC Main Event, earning PHP 62,600 (∼$1,105).

Most recently, in December 2025, she recorded a deep run at Manila Megastack 23 at the Okada Manila. She finished 11th in the PHP 13,200 + 1,800 No Limit Hold’em – Double Stack (Event #29) for PHP 58,000 (∼$991). Earlier in the year, she also recorded a finish in Tokyo at the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) 2025 Tokyo #01, placing 19th in a No Limit Hold’em – Superstack event.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Tsuruta is part of the robust community of Japanese players who frequently travel to the Philippines to compete in major regional series such as the AJPC and the Manila Megastack. While her recorded live tournament history is relatively recent, starting in early 2025, her quick success in large-field international events in Manila indicates a dedicated focus on building a professional resume within the emerging Asian markets.

Play Style & Strategy

Tsuruta is recognized for a disciplined and tactical approach to tournament poker, particularly excelling in Double Stack and Superstack formats. Her ability to navigate deep into large fields, as evidenced by her 11th-place finish out of 201 entries in the Manila Megastack Double Stack, indicates a strong command of stack management and the tactical patience required for deep championship-level runs. By successfully transitioning between the technical fields of Tokyo and the international fields of the Philippines, she demonstrates a versatile strategy that allows her to adapt to various opponent archetypes found across the Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances