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: 2026.02.18

Minh Thang Tran is a Vietnamese professional poker player and a rising force on the Asian tournament circuit, currently ranked within the top 60 of the Vietnam All Time Money List.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Minh Thang Tran has accumulated $372,601 in total live earnings. He recently made headlines during the WPT Cambodia 2026 at the NagaWorld Integrated Resort, where he secured a runner-up finish in the Super High Roller Warm Up for $20,516.

His career-best score of $65,620 was achieved at the 2025 APPT Cambodia Main Event, where he reached the final table and finished in 4th place. Tran’s consistency is further highlighted by a victory in the 2025 VPT Kick-Off in Phu Quoc, where he took home VND 930,268,000 (∼$36,081), and a 2nd-place finish in the VPT 8-Max High Roller for VND 387,500,000 (∼$15,026).

Biography & Poker Background

Based in Vietnam, Tran has been a dedicated tournament grinder for several years, climbing to 57th 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 disciplined and highly calculated play style, likely influenced by his competitive chess background. He excels in navigating large-field No Limit Hold’em events, where his ability to maintain composure under pressure has led to multiple final table appearances in prestigious series.

His strategy often centers on strong ICM awareness and the ability to make deep-run adjustments as field sizes shrink. Whether competing in a high-speed VPT turbo or a deep-structured WPT Prime event, Tran is known for his patient accumulation and technical precision, making him one of the most respected Vietnamese regulars on the modern circuit.

Recent Attendances