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: 2025.12.22

Keita Kitamura is a Japanese professional poker player who has rapidly made a name for himself as a “trophy hunter” on the Asian circuit. Known for his exceptional versatility in mixed games and high-paced turbo formats, Kitamura has become a frequent fixture at final tables across the Asian Poker Tour (APT), Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), and World Poker Tour (WPT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $123,252. Kitamura has displayed an incredible ability to close out tournaments, securing multiple titles in a short span. One of his most significant financial scores came at APT Taipei in April 2025, where he finished 2nd in a Pot Limit Omaha event for TWD 220,000 (∼$6,790).

He is particularly dominant in high-speed variants, having captured three APT titles by late 2024, including a victory in the PHP 5,000 Hyper Turbo – NL Single Draw Mix for PHP 58,019 (∼$986). His success also extends to major festivals in South Korea, where he won the KRW 400,000 No Limit 8 Game – Hyper Turbo at APT Incheon in August 2025 for KRW 4,891,152 (∼$3,527). In the Philippines, he added a “Spadie” trophy to his collection by winning the PHP 2,000 Knockout Hyper Turbo at Manila Megastack 19 in PokerStars LIVE Manila for PHP 165,240 (∼$2,900).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Kitamura has established himself as one of the most active grinders in the modern Asian poker scene. While many players focus solely on No Limit Hold’em, Kitamura developed his reputation by traveling to major hubs like Taipei, Manila, and Incheon to compete in a wide array of formats. His rise has been characterized by a relentless work rate, often cashing in multiple events within a single festival, which has propelled him into the top 210 players on the Japan All Time Money List.

Play Style & Strategy

Kitamura is recognized for a highly adaptable and aggressive play style, particularly in “Hyper Turbo” and mixed game environments where quick decision-making is paramount. He excels at navigating small, specialized fields, demonstrating a deep technical proficiency in variants like Pot Limit Omaha, 8-Game, and Single Draw Mix. His success in “Survivor Knockout” and “Bounty” formats further highlights a strategy that effectively balances risk-taking with chip accumulation to maximize value from player eliminations.

Recent Attendances