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

Marco Espela is a Filipino professional poker player who has rapidly emerged as a rising star in the Southeast Asian circuit, widely recognized for his record-breaking victories in major Manila-based festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Marco Espela has total earnings of $134,709. He currently sits at 92nd on the Philippines All Time Money List, a position he has achieved through a series of dominant performances throughout 2024 and 2025. His career-best live cash of $20,102 highlights his ability to triumph in massive, competitive fields.

In October 2024, Espela secured a historic victory at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Manila, winning the Philippines National Cup for PHP 1,170,050 (∼$20,065). This event drew 726 entries, making it the largest and richest opening event in the tour’s history in the Philippines. He continued his championship form in August 2025 at the Philippine Poker Millions (PPM) held at the Metro Card Club, where he won the Mystery Bounty event. In that tournament, he turned a PHP 10,000 buy-in into a staggering total haul of PHP 771,640, which included PHP 304,640 for first place and PHP 467,000 in bounties.

Biography & Poker Background

A native and resident of the Philippines, Espela has become a prominent member of the “Action PH” poker team, consistently representing his country on the international stage. His professional trajectory is defined by a rapid ascent from local standout to a regular trophy winner in major regional tours like the APT and APPT.

Espela is a familiar face at Manila’s premier poker venues, particularly the Metro Card Club, where he is currently ranked 66th on the venue’s All Time Money List. His “breakout” success in late 2024 served as a significant milestone, marking his maiden live tournament title and setting the stage for a prolific 2025 campaign that saw him surpass the $100,000 earnings milestone.

Play Style & Strategy

Espela is recognized for a patient, precise, and highly opportunistic tournament strategy. During his PPM Mystery Bounty victory, he began the final day buried in 16th place but surged to the title through a combination of tactical precision and a “hot run” when it mattered most.

His ability to dominate final tables is well-documented; in his record-breaking APT win, he entered the final table with a chip lead he refused to relinquish, personally eliminating three of the eight other finalists. His strategy appears particularly well-suited for high-variance and massive field structures, where he balances technical discipline with the aggression needed to secure “lion’s share” payouts in major regional championships.

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