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: 2025.12.18

Masakazu Miyamoto, often known in the circuit as “Brian,” is a Japanese professional poker player who has established himself as a highly active and versatile competitor on the Asian poker scene. He is particularly recognized for his consistency in major regional festivals in the Philippines, including the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and Manila Megastack.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Masakazu Miyamoto has total live earnings of $93,204. He is currently ranked 267th on the Japan All Time Money List. His career-best live cash was recorded during the Manila Megastack 21 in PokerStars LIVE Manila last January 2025, where he secured PHP 96,000 (~$1,642) in the Main Event.

Miyamoto has a proven track record of victory, including a title win in the Manila Megastack 20 Double Stack event in December 2024, where he claimed PHP 345,291 (~$5,900). Other significant achievements in 2025 include an 8th-place finish in the Manila Megastack 22 Kick Off for PHP 110,000 (~$1,919) and a 3rd-place finish in the Okada Manila Millions Sunday Million event for PHP 159,000 (~$2,776). He also showcased his elite status on the global stage with a 7th-place finish in the 2021 WSOP Online Lucky Sevens (Event #25) for $27,740.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Miyamoto has become one of the most prolific travelers in the Asian-Pacific poker landscape. While he frequently competes in his home country, he has dedicated a significant portion of his professional career to the burgeoning market in the Philippines, becoming a familiar face at PokerStars LIVE Manila. His trajectory shows a player who seamlessly transitions between regional Asian stops and major international stages, with recorded cashes in South Korea and Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2025, his consistent volume helped him maintain a top-tier Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 18,205th worldwide.

Play Style & Strategy

Miyamoto is known for a resilient and tactical tournament style, excelling in a variety of No Limit Hold’em formats ranging from deepstack challenges to high-speed turbos. His success in events with diverse structures, including a victory in a “Double Stack” and deep runs in “Mystery Bounty” and “Kick Off” formats, demonstrates strong fundamental awareness and adaptability to changing blind levels. He is particularly effective in large-field events, as evidenced by his multiple cashes in the Manila Megastack Main Events, where his ability to navigate late-stage pressure and manage chip flips has earned him consistent deep runs.

Recent Attendances