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: 2026.01.05

Xialin Li is a Chinese professional poker player who has established herself as a consistent and high-ranking competitor on the Asian circuit, recognized as one of the top female players in China.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Xialin Li has total live earnings of $244,434. Her career saw a significant surge in 2025, where she recorded her best annual performance with $125,141 in total cashes, more than doubling her previous years’ success.

Her biggest career cash came in December 2024 at the Venetian DeepStack Extravaganza IV in Las Vegas, where he won the $1,100 No Limit Hold’em UltimateStack for $99,304. She has also performed exceptionally well in major regional festivals, including a 3rd-place finish at the Poker Dream 12 Jeju Single Day High Roller for KRW 71,304,000 (∼$51,699) and a runner-up finish in the WPT Korea Dragon Egg Mystery Bounty for KRW 42,850,000 (∼$30,727).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Li has become a familiar face at major international festivals, transitioning from the domestic Chinese market to the global stage. While she built her foundation in events like the China Poker Games (CPG) and the Asia Poker League (APL), she has recently expanded her reach to high-stakes hubs like Jeju, South Korea, and Las Vegas.

As of early 2026, she holds a prestigious position in the global rankings, listed as the #8 ranked female player in China by the Global Poker Index. Her trajectory highlights a disciplined climb through the stakes, moving from local “Spadie” events in Macau to competing for six-figure payouts in major Western and Asian championships.

Play Style & Strategy

Li is known for a calculated and resilient play style, excelling in both large-field No Limit Hold’em tournaments and high-pressure mystery bounty formats. Her success in events like the WPT Korea mystery bounty demonstrates a strong understanding of short-stack dynamics and the aggressive adjustments required for bounty-heavy structures.

Her ability to navigate final tables across diverse fields, from the tactical high-roller events in Jeju to the massive entry fields in Las Vegas, proves her strategic versatility. This consistency has made her one of the most respected female regulars on the modern circuit, often leveraging her experience in Asian “turbo” structures to apply pressure in championship-length events.

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