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: 2026.01.05

Kei Takazawa is a professional poker player from Japan who has become a prominent fixture in the Asian tournament circuit. He is currently ranked 181st on the Japan All Time Money List and is widely recognized for his consistency in major festivals such as the APT, APPT, and JOPT.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $138,705. His career-best cash of $30,590 was achieved in August 2019 at the APPT Manila, where he secured a 1st place victory in the PHP 33,000 Saturday Superstack Freezeout.

Takazawa has enjoyed an exceptionally productive 2025 campaign, recording elite finishes across Asia:

APT Manila Classic (Feb 2025): 2nd place in a PHP 50,000 No Limit Hold’em event for PHP 837,000 (∼$14,399) and 14th in the High Roller Ultra Stack for PHP 209,000 (∼$3,634).
APT Taipei (May 2025): 4th place in the NT$ 35,000 Turbo High Roller for NT$ 315,500 (∼$10,275) and 181st in the APT Main Event for NT$ 127,000 (∼$3,903).
ACE Poker League (APL) Taipei (June 2025): 3rd place in the 20K K.O. Bounty for NT$ 93,000 (∼$3,151).
APT Taipei Poker Classic (March 2024): 4th place in the Double Stack event for NT$ 829,000 (∼$26,325).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Takazawa has established himself as a disciplined traveler on the international circuit, frequently competing at premier venues in the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea. He holds a Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 6,010th and is currently ranked 71st among Japanese players in the national GPI standings. His trajectory is marked by a transition from local Japanese championships to becoming a high-volume regular at international series like the Asian Poker Tour (APT).

Play Style & Strategy

Takazawa is known for an adaptable and aggressive tournament strategy, often excelling in the high-pressure dynamics of High Roller, Double Stack, and Turbo formats. His victory in the APPT Manila Saturday Superstack demonstrated a strong technical foundation and the ability to navigate large fields to secure a title against local and international professionals. Whether he is competing in a high-leverage Bounty event or managing a chip stack through the late stages of a major championship, his patient accumulation and tactical adjustments to the aggressive Asian play style make him a formidable threat at any final table.

Recent Attendances