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: 2026.01.08

Kotake Ryo is a high-profile Japanese professional poker player who has established himself as one of the most successful and consistent competitors on the international circuit. Based in Tokyo, Kotake has successfully transitioned from a regional standout in Japan to a formidable force at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and other premier global festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to the latest 2026 data from The Hendon Mob, Ryo Kotake has total live earnings of $607,961. His career is defined by several massive scores in high-stakes fields, particularly in Las Vegas.

Notable career highlights include:

Best Live Cash: His single largest tournament score is $332,840, achieved during a breakout run in a major No Limit Hold’em championship.
WSOP Main Event (July 2023): Finished 1,410th in the $10,000 World Championship for $15,000, outlasting over 8,500 players in the record-breaking field.
WSOP Las Vegas (July 2024): Logged multiple cashes in “Marathon” events, including the $800 Independence Day Celebration ($1,845) and the $400 COLOSSUS ($1,490).
WSOP Circuit Gold Coast (Nov 2025): Recorded back-to-back deep runs in Australia, finishing in the money in the $2,500 Main Event and the $2,000 PLO High Roller.
JOPT Grand Final (2023): Secured a podium finish in Tokyo, highlighting his dominance on his home soil before expanding his global reach.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Kotake belongs to the elite tier of Japanese professionals who have fueled the country’s recent poker boom. He is currently ranked 41st on the Japan All Time Money List, placing him among the top 1% of competitive players in the nation.

Kotake is a fixture at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the World Poker Tour (WPT), and the Asian Poker Tour (APT). He is widely respected for his dedication to the “grind,” maintaining a heavy international travel schedule that spans from Las Vegas to Australia and Europe. His trajectory, surpassing the $500,000 milestone in 2025, reflects a disciplined professional who has mastered the technical nuances required to succeed in diverse global markets.

Play Style & Strategy

Kotake is recognized for a highly analytical and adaptive tournament strategy. While he is primarily a No Limit Hold’em specialist, his recent results in Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) high rollers demonstrate a versatile tactical baseline.

Observers of the international circuit note his exceptional mental stamina, a trait that has allowed him to navigate through some of the largest fields in poker history (such as the COLOSSUS and WSOP Main Event). Known for his calm table presence and sharp reading of opponents, Kotake’s strategy emphasizes exploitative aggression and a sophisticated understanding of modern tournament theory. As he enters the 2026 season with a career-high Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of #1,686, he is widely considered one of Japan’s strongest contenders for a WSOP gold bracelet.

Recent Attendances