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: 2026.01.03

Kevin Mateo is a Filipino professional poker player who has quickly made a name for himself in the competitive Southeast Asian circuit. Primarily competing in his home country, he is widely recognized as a rising regular in the APPT and local Filipino tournament scenes.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $36,178. His career-best cash of PHP 229,092 (∼$3,914) was achieved in July 2024 during the APPT Manila Megastack event, where he finished as the runner-up. Mateo has been exceptionally active throughout 2025, recording numerous deep runs in high-profile series. Notably, he finished 89th in the APPT Manila Main Event for PHP 185,000 and 27th in the APPT National for PHP 108,000. He also secured several podium finishes in secondary events at Okada Manila, including a 2nd place finish in a Superstack event for PHP 202,000 and another runner-up result in a Hyper Turbo for PHP 82,152.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the Philippines, where he currently resides, Mateo has established himself as a prominent grinder in the Manila poker community. He is a frequent competitor at premier venues such as the Metro Card Club and Okada Manila, where he has built a reputation for consistency across various tournament formats. Currently ranked 240th on the Philippines All Time Money List, his upward trajectory is reflected in his Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking, which reached a career-high within the top 100 players in the Philippines during the 2025 season.

Play Style & Strategy

Mateo is known for a highly adaptable and resilient tournament strategy, often excelling in the fast-paced dynamics of turbo and superstack events. His ability to navigate massive fields, exemplified by his deep runs in the APPT Manila Main Event and the Manila Super Series, both of which featured over 1,000 entries, demonstrates strong patience and situational awareness. Whether he is competing in a high-stakes APPT Championship or a local Metro Card Club major, his aggressive adjustments in late-stage play and proficiency in short-stack environments make him a formidable threat at any final table in the Asian market.

Recent Attendances