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: 2025.12.23

Hao Lin is a professional poker player from Hong Kong who has rapidly climbed the ranks of the Asian tournament circuit, particularly through high-volume performances in Taiwan, the Philippines, and South Korea. He is currently recognized as one of the most active players on the 2025 circuit, holding a top 20 national ranking in the Global Poker Index.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Hao Lin has total earnings of $290,460. He currently sits at 63rd on the Hong Kong All Time Money List after a breakout 2025 season. His career-best live cash of $36,225 was part of a consistent run of high-stakes results across Asia.

Throughout 2025, Lin has been a force at major tour stops. In June 2025, he secured a victory at the Ace Poker League – APL Taipei in the NTD 30,000 High Roller Single Day for NTD 331,740 (~$11,085). He followed this with a title at Asia Pacific Poker Tour – APPT Manila in the PHP 15,000 Survivor KO for PHP 382,364 (~$6,706). Other premier results include a 6th-place finish in the APPT Cambodia $3,000 High Roller for $14,220 and a 3rd-place finish in the 2025 Players Series Taiwan High Roller Freezeout for NTD 265,000 (∼$8,689). Recently, he made deep runs in the Asian Poker Tour – APT Jeju Main Event, finishing 29th for KRW 14,710,000 (∼$10,439), and the APPT Manila Championship Open, where he placed 19th for PHP 195,000 (~$3,360).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Hong Kong and currently residing there, Lin has transitioned into a “road warrior” of the Asian poker scene. While his early recorded results began in early 2024 with a runner-up finish at U Series of Poker – USOP Da Nang, his activity surged in 2025, taking him across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Taiwan. His rapid ascent through the rankings, including reaching the $100,000 and $200,000 career milestones within a single year, has established him as a premier mid-to-high stakes professional in the region.

Play Style & Strategy

Lin is known for a high-volume, aggressive tournament strategy, particularly effective in short-handed and High Roller formats where he has secured multiple titles. His ability to navigate massive fields, evidenced by his deep runs in the APT Taipei National Cup and WPT Prime Taiwan Championship, demonstrates strong fundamental discipline and tactical patience. Whether competing in elite Super High Roller fields or high-variance Bounty and Survivor events, Lin’s adaptability allows him to consistently extract value and maintain a high cash-to-entry ratio across diverse Asian festivals.

Recent Attendances