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

Minh Thang Tran is a Vietnamese professional poker player and a prominent figure in the Southeast Asian tournament circuit. Widely recognized for his consistency in his home country, he has successfully established himself as a regular in major regional series, frequently appearing at elite final tables in prestigious stops such as the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Minh Thang Tran has accumulated total live earnings of $283,788. His career-defining performance occurred in May 2025 at the APPT Cambodia Main Event in Phnom Penh, where he secured a 4th-place finish against an elite field for a career-best score of $65,620.

Tran has been exceptionally prolific throughout 2024 and 2025, recording numerous five-figure scores across Vietnam. In September 2025, he claimed a 15th-place finish in the Dragon Poker Grand Opening Super High Roller for VND 165,000,000 (∼$6,257). His resume also includes his maiden APT title won in June 2023 at the Mini Main Event in Hanoi, where he earned VND 429,012,000 (∼$18,295). More recently, he reached the podium at the VPT Championship II in Phu Quoc, finishing 2nd in the Warm-Up High Roller for VND 187,400,000 (∼$7,112).

Biography & Poker Background

Based in Vietnam, Tran has been a dedicated tournament grinder for several years, climbing to 64th on the Vietnam All Time Money List. He is a frequent participant in prestigious tours such as the APT, WPT Prime, and APPT, often competing in diverse formats ranging from deep-stack championships to specialized high-speed variants. His growth as a circuit professional is reflected in his steady climb in the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings, where he currently holds a world rank of 1,756th.

Play Style & Strategy

Tran is recognized for a resilient and tactical tournament play style, particularly excelling in large-field events that reward patience and ICM awareness. His performance at the APPT Cambodia Main Event, where he successfully navigated a deep run to the final five players, showcased his ability to maintain composure under high-pressure final table dynamics. Whether competing in a high-speed Hyper Turbo or a specialized Mystery Bounty, his adaptability and strategic depth allow him to switch effectively between tight accumulation and aggressive pressure, making him one of the most formidable Vietnamese regulars on the modern circuit.

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