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: 2025.12.29

Kouichi Baba is a Japanese poker player who has recently emerged on the Asian poker circuit, building a resume of results in fast-paced tournament formats across the Philippines and South Korea.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Kouichi Baba has recorded consistent cashes in late 2025, accumulating total live earnings of $12,411. His short but active career is highlighted by final table appearances in Manila and Jeju.

His largest score to date occurred in the PokerStars LIVE Manila at the Manila Megastack 23 in December 2025, where he finished as the runner-up in a Super Stack Turbo , securing ₱232,500 (~$3,943). This result followed another strong performance at the Jeju Poker Festival in South Korea, where he placed 3rd in the Win the Button Hyper Turbo event for KRW 2,390,000 (~$1,661).

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from Japan, Kouichi Baba has focused his play on the accessible and competitive mid-stakes festivals of East and Southeast Asia. He has been particularly active in Okada Manila during the Manila Megastack series, where he cashed in multiple events, including a 9th place finish in the SuperStack Hyper Turbo. His willingness to travel between major Asian hubs like Jeju and Manila suggests a commitment to grinding the regional circuit alongside other Japanese regulars.

Play Style & Strategy

Kouichi Baba’s recorded results indicate a proficiency in faster tournament structures. His top finishes have come in Turbo and Hyper Turbo events, formats that require aggressive pre-flop strategies and strong push-fold mathematical understanding. His ability to navigate these high-variance fields to reach final tables demonstrates a solid grasp of short-stack poker fundamentals.

Recent Attendances