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: 2026.01.07

Liao Cheng is a professional poker player from China who has recently surfaced as a top-tier competitor on the Asian poker circuit, securing major results across South Korea’s premier tournament festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Liao Cheng has secured total live earnings of $49,490. His most significant score to date came in January 2026 at the K Poker Cup (KPC) x LPT Series in Jeju. Competing in a massive 734-entry field for the KRW 1,300,000 Mystery Bounty , he navigated deep into the final table to finish in 3rd place, earning KRW 36,240,000 ($25,065).

Cheng also established his presence at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju in late 2025. In October 2025, he captured his first major title by winning the KRW 1,500,000 Hyper Turbo – High Roller for KRW 15,666,000 (∼$11,110). He nearly added a second trophy during the same series, finishing as the runner-up in the KRW 500,000 Hyper Turbo – Super Hold’em event for KRW 8,710,000 (∼$6,175). Additionally, he showcased his ability to navigate elite fields by recording a 10th-place stack heading into the final day of the record-breaking APT National Cup in September 2025.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from China, Cheng has become a specialist in the burgeoning Jeju poker scene. While he maintains a presence in the broader East Asian circuit, the majority of his breakthrough performances have occurred at the Landing Casino in Jeju. Over the 2025 and 2026 seasons, he has transitioned from a regional challenger to a highly respected regular on the APT and KPC tours. His consistent final table appearances in high-speed and specialized formats suggest a deep-rooted background in high-pressure tournament play, likely honed through the competitive online or underground scenes in mainland China before moving to the international live stage.

Play Style & Strategy

Cheng is widely recognized for his mastery of “Hyper Turbo” and high-variance formats, where he utilizes a relentless and mathematically sound aggressive strategy. His ability to consistently reach final tables in short-stacked environments, such as his win and runner-up finishes at APT Jeju, demonstrates exceptional short-stack technicality and a profound understanding of push-fold equilibrium. Beyond his speed-game proficiency, his 3rd-place finish in the 734-entry KPC Mystery Bounty proves he possesses the stamina and patient ICM awareness required to navigate large-field, long-duration events. This versatility makes him one of the most unpredictable and dangerous opponents in the modern Asian high-stakes arena.

Recent Attendances