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Kyungsuk Ko is a South Korean professional poker player who has become a prominent regular on the Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the competitive fields of the Philippines and Taiwan.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $45,216. Ko has been remarkably active throughout 2024 and 2025, consistently reaching final tables in major regional festivals. His career-best live cash was achieved in July 2025 at the APPT Manila, where he outlasted a large field to win the PHP 15,000 Megastack for PHP 537,318 (∼$9,266).
His tournament resume features several other significant podium finishes:
- APPT Manila (2025): 2nd place in the PHP 10,000 Knockout Turbo for PHP 154,000 (∼$2,642).
- APPT Manila (2025): 3rd place in the PHP 25,000 SuperStack for PHP 179,000 (∼$3,071).
- Manila Megastack 19 (2024): 3rd place in the PHP 10,000 Knockout for PHP 88,000 (∼$1,566).
- APPT Manila Championship (2025): 10th place in the PHP 20,000 SuperStack for PHP 36,000 (∼$620).
- ACE Poker League (APL) Manila (2025): 29th place in the PHP 12,900 Mystery Bounty for PHP 31,000 (∼$533).
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from South Korea, Ko is currently ranked among the top 700 players on the South Korea All Time Money List. He has become a “road warrior” in the Asian scene, moving beyond the local Korean clubs to establish a formidable reputation in the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and ACE Poker League (APL) circuits. His career trajectory shows a significant uptick in volume during the 2025 season, transitioning from a recreational competitor to a consistent trophy hunter in mid-stakes events.
Play Style & Strategy
Ko is recognized for a high-intensity and aggressive play style, particularly excelling in “Turbo,” “Megastack,” and “Knockout” formats where fast decision-making is critical. His ability to navigate deep into large fields, evidenced by his APPT Manila Megastack victory against 259 entries, demonstrates strong ICM awareness and a refined strategy for applying pressure during the late stages of a tournament. He is particularly dangerous in short-handed and bounty situations, where he leverages his chip stack to exploit tighter opponents.
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.
