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: 2026.01.03

Michael Cheng is a Filipino professional poker player who has become a prominent fixture in the Asian tournament circuit, widely recognized for his recent elite performance in the APPT Manila Championship.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $28,972. He achieved his career-best score of PHP 1,260,000 (∼$21,679) in October 2025 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship, where he secured a podium finish with 3rd place in the PHP 35,000 APPT National event. Cheng has maintained significant momentum throughout 2025, recording a series of deep runs at the Manila Super Series 22, including a runner-up finish in the Superstack Hyper Turbo for PHP 79,000 (∼$1,417) and a 12th place finish in the Superstack for PHP 28,000 (∼$502). Earlier in his career, he demonstrated his versatility with a 2nd place finish in an APT Cebu No Limit Hold’em event for PHP 92,900 (∼$2,160) and a 15th place finish in the APT Cebu Main Event for PHP 79,600 (∼$1,791).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the Philippines, where he currently resides, Cheng has established himself as a disciplined regular in the Manila and Cebu poker communities. He is currently ranked 275th on the Philippines All Time Money List and has rapidly climbed the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings, reaching a career-high national rank among the top 30 players in late 2025. His trajectory as a player is marked by a long-standing presence in the region, with recorded live cashes dating back to the 2011 Asian Poker Tour (APT). Over the years, he has successfully transitioned from regional daily tournaments to becoming a formidable threat in major international championships held at premier venues like Okada Manila.

Play Style & Strategy

Cheng is known for an adaptable and resilient tournament strategy, often excelling in the high-pressure dynamics of “Superstack” and “Hyper Turbo” formats. His ability to navigate deep into large, competitive fields, evidenced by his recent final table appearance at the APPT National, highlights strong situational awareness and a disciplined approach to late-stage tournament play. Whether he is competing in a high-leverage heads-up battle or managing a chip stack through the grueling flights of a major championship, his technical proficiency and tactical adjustments to the aggressive Asian play style make him a dangerous opponent at any final table.

Recent Attendances