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: 2025.12.20

Naoya Aoki is a Japanese professional poker player who has become a prominent fixture in the Asian poker circuit, recognized for his consistent performances in high-stakes regional festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Naoya Aoki has accumulated total live earnings of $6,066. He has strategically built his bankroll by competing in major tours across Asia, particularly within the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) . His career-best score came in October 2025 at the APPT Manila Championship, where he finished 12th in the PHP 35,000 No Limit Hold’em – APPT Mini Championship for PHP 127,000 (∼$2,166).

Aoki has shown remarkable consistency in the Philippines, securing several deep runs during the APPT Manila festivals. In August 2025, he finished 14th in the PHP 40,000 No Limit Hold’em – Mystery Bounty for PHP 108,000 (∼$1,891) and followed it up with a 7th-place finish in the PHP 15,000 No Limit Hold’em – Last Chance Super Hyper Turbo for PHP 40,000 (∼$700). Most recently, in December 2025, he cashed in the PHP 45,000 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event at Manila Megastack 23, finishing 104th for PHP 77,000 (∼$1,308). His ability to navigate deep fields in both standard and high-speed turbo structures has solidified his status as a reliable competitor on the circuit.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Aoki has emerged as part of the new wave of Japanese talent dominating the Asian market. He has focused his efforts on the booming poker scenes in Manila and Tokyo, frequently appearing at the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT), including the JOPT 2025 Grand Final. While he remains a regular face in his home region, his frequent travels to international festivals in the Philippines suggest a player dedicated to the competitive Asian circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Aoki is known for a balanced and disciplined approach to tournament play, often excelling in the late stages of fast-paced events. His results in various APPT and Manila Megastack turbo tournaments indicate a strong understanding of short-stack dynamics and the ability to maintain composure during high-variance phases of play. By successfully navigating different tournament structures, from multi-day Main Events to mystery bounty formats, he demonstrates a flexible strategy that allows him to exploit different field types effectively.

Recent Attendances