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: 2026.01.02

Minsoo Hwang is a professional poker player from Japan who has emerged as a high-volume “trophy hunter” on the Asian poker circuit, notably celebrated for his dominance at major festivals in Manila and Tokyo. He is recognized for his elite ability to navigate fast-paced tournament structures, establishing himself as a formidable mid-stakes competitor.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Minsoo Hwang has total earnings of $28,842. His career reached a historic peak in March 2025 during Manila Megastack 22 at PokerStars LIVE Manila , where he achieved the rare feat of winning multiple titles in a single festival.

His breakout performance included a victory in the PHP 10,000 No Limit Hold’em – Super Stack Turbo, outlasting a competitive field to claim the top prize of PHP 234,280 (∼$4,082). Just days later, he secured another title in the PHP 10,000 No Limit Hold’em – Turbo. Beyond the Philippines, Hwang has dominated his home circuit, capturing a title at the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) 2025 Tokyo in the No Limit Hold’em – Hyper event and recording a final table finish in the JOPT Grand Final Mystery Bounty. He also made a deep run in the 2025 Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila, cashing for PHP 200,200 (∼$3,485).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Minsoo Hwang is a prominent figure in the rising wave of Japanese talent competing across Southeast Asia. Currently ranked 713th on the Japan All Time Money List, he has successfully transitioned from the amusement-style poker popular in Japan to the professional high-stakes environments of the APPT and APT.

Hwang’s professional trajectory is defined by a relentless work rate; he is known for entering a high volume of events per series, a strategy that led to his “multi-title” run in early 2025. His ability to win across different regional hubs, from the intense rooms of Okada Manila to major championship stops in Tokyo, has made him one of the most consistent trophy-winners in the Asian mid-stakes community.

Play Style & Strategy

Hwang is known for a highly aggressive and opportunistic tournament strategy, specifically excelling in the late stages of Turbo and Hyper-Turbo formats. His strategy focuses on high-pressure accumulation, leveraging his experience in fast-structured events to navigate the volatile “bubble” and final table phases effectively.

He demonstrates a strong proficiency in playing wide ranges in short-handed and fast-paced environments, a trait that has earned him several PokerStars Spadie trophies. This tactical flexibility, moving between the patient requirements of a Super Stack and the rapid decision-making of a Hyper Turbo, makes him a dangerous opponent who consistently finds ways to secure titles and climb the regional leaderboards.

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