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 Yang is a professional poker player from Taiwan who has become a rising star on the South Korean circuit. He is widely recognized for his breakthrough performances during the Super Cup Jeju 2025-2026, where he established himself as one of the festival’s most dominant players by capturing two separate titles.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, he has total earnings of $19,783. Yang’s career reached a new peak at the Super Cup Jeju 2025-2026, where he famously won two trophies in a single series. His most significant victory came in the KRW 500,000 No Limit Hold’em – Super Cup Kick Off, where he outlasted a massive field of 440 entries to win KRW 22,000,000 (~$15,360). He proved his versatility later in the same festival by taking down Event #21: Night Game – NLH Turbo 4, securing another KRW 2,470,000 (~$1,725) and his second trophy of the week. These performances, combined with a runner-up finish in the P1 CIRCUIT Incheon earlier in 2025 for KRW 3,650,000 (~$2,498), have significantly elevated his status in the Asian poker community.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Taiwan, Yang is part of the modern generation of players who have successfully exported their skills to the booming South Korean market. He is a frequent face at premier venues such as the LES A Casino and the INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in Incheon. While he began his journey competing in the competitive local clubs of Taipei, he has transitioned seamlessly to the international stage, participating in major series like the Super Cup (SC) and the P1 CIRCUIT. His back-to-back success in Jeju has quickly made him one of the most talked-about Taiwanese players on the regional circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Yang is known for an aggressive and highly opportunistic tournament strategy, which was on full display during his double-trophy run in Jeju. He excels at navigating the high-variance dynamics of “Turbo” and “Kick Off” formats, where he utilizes a fearless approach to short-stack play and a keen ability to identify fold equity in high-pressure situations. His performance in the Super Cup Kick Off final table showcased a resilient mental game, as he successfully balanced patient accumulation with the tactical aggression needed to close out a large-field event. This adaptability makes him a dangerous threat in any fast-paced tournament structure.

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