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: 2025.12.30

Makoto Miyatake is a Japanese professional poker player who has become an active competitor in the Asian tournament circuit. Based in Japan, he has established himself as a consistent “grinder” in major regional series, frequently traveling to compete in the burgeoning poker markets of Vietnam and Taiwan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Makoto Miyatake has accumulated total live earnings of $11,392. While he is in the early stages of his professional journey, he has maintained a steady climb on the Japan All Time Money List, where he currently ranks 1,386th. His career-best live cash of $2,783 reflects his success in mid-stakes regional events.

Miyatake has been particularly active throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In early 2025, he found significant success in Vietnam, recording a final table finish at the Crown Poker Series in Da Nang, where he finished 6th in the VND 8,800,000 No Limit Hold’em – Kick Off for VND 70,000,000 (∼$2,752). He followed this with another deep run at the WPT Prime Cambodia in Phnom Penh, cashing in the $300 No Limit Hold’em – Deepstack Turbo. His resume also includes multiple cashes in Taiwan during the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Taipei and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) , where he competed in both standard and “Turbo” formats.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Miyatake has utilized the proximity of the Southeast Asian poker hubs to build his professional resume. He is a frequent participant in prestigious tours such as the APT, WPT Prime, and APPT, often competing in diverse locations ranging from the Paradise City in Incheon to the CTP Club in Taipei. His steady participation in these international series has helped him achieve a career-high Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 20,154th, solidifying his status as a dedicated circuit regular.

Play Style & Strategy

Miyatake is known for a resilient and tactical play style, particularly excelling in “Deepstack” and “Turbo” formats that require sharp decision-making as the blinds escalate. His ability to navigate large, high-variance fields, evidenced by his final table appearance in the Crown Poker Series, demonstrates a strong command of short-stack dynamics and late-stage tournament strategy. Whether he is competing in a high-speed side event or a traditional multi-day championship, his patient accumulation and adaptability make him a formidable Japanese opponent on the modern Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances