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: 2026.01.03

Naoya Katagiri is a Japanese professional poker player who has established a presence in the international circuit, known for his high-stakes success in the WSOP and his growing influence in the Asian tournament scene.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $34,294. His career-best score of $25,350 was achieved at the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, where he finished 33rd in the $1,000 Million Dollar Bounty event. Katagiri has also found success in Southeast Asia, notably securing a title at the 2025 APPT Manila in the PHP 25,000 + PHP 50,000 Survivor Knockout (Event #74) for PHP 362,000 (∼$6,231). In addition to his live accolades, he is an active online competitor, recording multiple deep runs in the WSOP Online series, including a 471st place finish in the 2025 $400 COLOSSUS Bounty for $2,152 and a 594th place finish in the $215 Mystery Millions for $1,857.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan and currently residing in Tokyo, Katagiri has steadily built his reputation as a disciplined traveler on the global circuit. He is currently ranked among the top 1,500 players on the Japan All Time Money List and holds a top 5,500 ranking among Asian players. His poker journey reflects a modern transition from online grinding to high-stakes live competition, with recorded cashes spanning major venues in Las Vegas, Manila, and online platforms. His consistent presence at festivals like the APPT and WSOP has solidified his status as a key member of the competitive Japanese poker community.

Play Style & Strategy

Katagiri is known for a highly analytical and aggressive tournament strategy, particularly excelling in bounty and knockout formats. His victory in the APPT Manila Survivor Knockout and his deep run in the WSOP Million Dollar Bounty demonstrate a keen mastery of bounty equity and the calculated risk-taking required in fast-paced knockout structures. His ability to navigate massive online fields, often outlasting thousands of opponents in WSOP Online events, highlights strong ICM awareness and technical proficiency. Whether competing in a boutique bounty event in Asia or a six-figure field in Las Vegas, his patient accumulation and sharp adjustments make him a formidable threat at any final table.

Recent Attendances