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: 2026.01.02

Kohei Suzuki is a Japanese professional poker player who has become a prominent fixture in the Asian poker circuit, recognized for his high-volume play and consistent results in South Korea and the Philippines. He is currently ranked within the top 350 on the Japan All Time Money List.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Kohei Suzuki has total earnings of $77,537. His career reached a significant milestone in October 2025 at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju, where he secured his career-best live cash.

Competing in the KRW 1,500,000 No Limit Hold’em – Freezeout, Suzuki outlasted a competitive field to finish in 2nd place, earning KRW 27,500,000 (∼$19,552). His 2025 season was particularly prolific, accounting for over $65,000 of his total career winnings. Earlier that year, he dominated the side event circuit at the APT Manila Classic 2025, capturing three titles in high-speed formats, including the PHP 18,000 Hyper Turbo – Double Stack and two Super Hyper Turbo events.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Suzuki has emerged as part of the growing wave of Japanese talent traveling the global circuit. While the domestic Japanese poker scene is largely focused on amusement clubs, Suzuki has transitioned into a true “circuit nomad,” with the vast majority of his professional results occurring in the high-stakes environments of South Korea and the Philippines.

His trajectory shifted significantly in 2024 and 2025, during which he moved from local deepstack events to becoming a regular threat at major APT stops. Suzuki is now a staple figure at Okada Manila and various Paradise City venues in Incheon, representing Japan’s rising competitiveness in the “New Era” of Asian poker.

Play Style & Strategy

Suzuki is known for a highly aggressive and fast-paced play style, perfectly suited for the “Hyper Turbo” and “Turbo” formats in which he has found the most success. His ability to capture multiple titles in a single series, such as his triple-crown performance at APT Manila, demonstrates an elite level of proficiency in short-stacked dynamics and high-pressure push-fold situations.

His strategy appears rooted in a fearless approach to tournament variance, often leveraging small edges to accumulate chips rapidly. Whether navigating the disciplined fields of a Freezeout championship or the volatile environment of a Super Hyper Turbo, Suzuki’s adaptability and resilience make him one of the most dangerous short-deck and high-speed specialists currently competing on the Asian professional circuit.

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