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: 2025.12.23

Michihiko Matsuda is a professional poker player from Japan who has become a prominent regular in the Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the Philippines’ competitive poker scene. He is widely recognized for his deep runs in major regional festivals, including the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Michihiko Matsuda has total earnings of $94,288. His career-best score of PHP 679,000 (~$11,808) came in February 2025 at the Asian Poker Tour – APT Manila Classic 2025, where he finished 10th in the APT Main Event after a resilient deep run that ended just shy of the final table.

Matsuda enjoyed a highly productive 2025 season, securing a major title at the APPT Manila in July by winning the PHP 15,000 Super Deep for PHP 569,280 (~$9,985). His consistent performance at the APPT Manila Championship in October 2025 further bolstered his resume, with a 44th-place finish in the PHP 165,000 APPT Championship for PHP 289,000 (~$4,950). Additionally, he found success in earlier festivals, placing 7th in the Ace Poker League – APL Manila Kickoff for PHP 120,500 (~$2,081) and 17th in the Manila Megastack 21 Main Event for PHP 191,000 (~$3,268).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Matsuda has established himself as a specialized “circuit grinder” with a primary focus on the burgeoning markets of the Philippines and Vietnam. While his recorded tournament history dates back to 2022, his volume exploded in 2024 and 2025, during which he became a staple at PokerStars Live Manila and APT events. His ability to maintain a high level of performance across various tours has allowed him to climb to 274th on the Japan All Time Money List.

Play Style & Strategy

Matsuda is known for a disciplined and resilient tournament style, often characterized by his ability to navigate short-stacked situations in large-field events. His 10th-place finish in the APT Manila Classic Main Event demonstrated his tactical patience, as he successfully ground a short stack through multiple days of elite competition. He is a versatile competitor who excels in both No Limit Hold’em and mixed formats, evidenced by his 5th-place finish in the APPT Manila NLH/PLO event. This adaptability, combined with a strong understanding of tournament structures, makes him a formidable opponent in the mid-to-high stakes Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances