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: 2026.01.11

Bien Mai is a Vietnamese professional poker player who has established himself as a prominent and highly active competitor in the burgeoning Asian poker circuit. Currently ranked among the top 20 on the Vietnam All Time Money List, he is recognized for his deep runs in major regional festivals across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Taiwan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Bien Mai has total live earnings of $782,820. His career reached a significant milestone in September 2023 at U Series of Poker (USOP) Hanoi, where he secured his career-best live cash.

Competing in the VND 22,500,000 + 2,500,000 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event, Mai finished as the runner-up in a massive field to claim a payout of VND 3,500,000,000 (∼$145,527). His consistency is further highlighted by a 2nd-place finish in the 2024 Won Poker Cup II Main Event in Cambodia for $74,000 and a victory in the Crown Poker Series Main Event earlier in his career. In 2025, he continued his strong form with multiple deep runs at WPT Prime Korea, APPT Cambodia, and the Jeju Poker Festival, where he recently placed 8th in a Mystery Bounty event for $10,178.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Vietnam, where he currently resides, Bien Mai has become a central figure in the rapid growth of the Vietnamese poker community. He transitioned from local games to the international stage, quickly becoming a “circuit nomad” who travels extensively to compete in prestigious tours like the Asian Poker Tour (APT), World Poker Tour (WPT), and USOP.

His professional trajectory is characterized by an exceptional work rate, often recording cashes in both high-stakes championship events and side tournaments within a single festival. By successfully competing in hubs like Sihanoukville, Taipei, and Manila, Mai has solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable and successful professional players representing Vietnam today.

Play Style & Strategy

Mai is known for an adaptable and resilient tournament strategy, demonstrating a high degree of comfort in navigating the aggressive dynamics typical of the Asian poker boom. His ability to reach back-to-back final tables in major Main Events, such as those in Hanoi and Sihanoukville, highlights a strong command of stack management and tactical patience.

He is especially dangerous in “deepstack” and “mystery bounty” formats, where he effectively leverages his understanding of modern tournament theory to exploit opponents’ tendencies. This versatility, combined with his composure during high-pressure final table situations, makes him a formidable opponent for both local grinders and visiting international professionals on the APT and WPT Prime circuits.

Recent Attendances