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: 2025.12.12

Mohamed Illyas Hashim is a Singaporean professional poker player who has rapidly gained attention in the Southeast Asian circuit. He is best known for his recent breakout performance in Manila and his consistent deep runs in Malaysian tournament series like Poker Dream.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, with over $35,000 in total live earnings, Hashim is climbing the ranks of the Singapore All Time Money List. His career trajectory took a massive leap forward in late 2025 during the Manila Megastack 23 . In early December, he secured his career-best score by winning the High Roller event for ₱900,270 (approximately $15,355).

This victory was a defining moment for his bankroll, proving his ability to close out tournaments against tough competition. Prior to this title, he had already shown promise with a strong runner-up finish in the Poker Dream 18 Mystery Bounty Turbo in Malaysia and a final table appearance in the Poker Dream 13 Monster Stack, demonstrating his consistency across different formats and buy-in levels.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Singapore, Hashim is part of a growing contingent of players from the city-state who regularly travel to neighboring poker hubs to compete. His resume shows a clear preference for the regional Asian circuit, with a heavy volume of play recorded in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, and Manila, Philippines.

He has established himself as a versatile grinder capable of handling the rigors of multi-day festivals. Unlike players who stick to one venue, Hashim actively chases value across borders, transitioning seamlessly from the cash-rich fields of Resorts World Genting to the high-octane tournament structures found in the Philippines.

Play Style & Strategy

Hashim’s results paint the picture of a highly adaptable player who excels in Turbo and Mystery Bounty formats. His success in these faster-structure tournaments suggests a sharp understanding of ICM (Independent Chip Model) and push-fold ranges, which are critical for survival in the shallow-stack stages of Asian tournaments.