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: 2026.01.08

Pan Xu is a Chinese professional poker player who has established a significant presence on the Asian tournament circuit, particularly in South Korea and Taiwan. Known for his ability to navigate massive fields and his sharp technical play, he has become a frequent finalist in several of the region’s most prestigious poker series.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Pan Xu has total live earnings exceeding $110,000. His career highlight came during the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Incheon 2025, where he delivered a dominant performance in the KRW 4,500,000 No Limit Hold’em – High Roller Ultra Stack (Event #31). In a field of nearly 200 entries, Xu secured a 5th-place finish for KRW 51,240,000 (~$36,600).

Other notable achievements include:

APT Taipei City (Nov 2025): 1st Place in the NTD 50,000 Turbo High Roller (Event #95) for NTD 1,817,900 (~$57,000), marking one of his most significant career victories.
Super Cup Jeju (Jan 2026): Reached multiple final tables, including a deep run in the Mystery Bounty event, further solidifying his 2026 SMP Poker Index standing.
WPT Prime Korea (Nov 2025): Finished 45th in the Red Dragon Championship for KRW 8,140,000, showcasing his ability to compete in high-volume, deep-stacked fields.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Xu is a key figure in the “high-roller wave” of Chinese professionals who have made the luxury casinos of Jeju and Incheon their primary competitive grounds. He is a fixture at major festivals including the Asian Poker Tour (APT), World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime, and the Super Cup (SC).

His transition into high-stakes poker was marked by a rapid progression from regional club tournaments to the elite “Ultra Stack” and “Super High Roller” circuits. Xu is often seen competing at the Landing Casino and Paradise City, where he has built a reputation for composure and disciplined decision-making under the bright lights of televised final tables.

Play Style & Strategy

Xu is recognized for a sophisticated, GTO-influenced (Game Theory Optimal) play style, which he adapts effectively to exploit the specific tendencies of Asian fields. He is particularly dangerous in “Ultra Stack” and “High Roller” formats, where the deeper structures allow him to utilize his superior post-flop technical skills.

His strategy emphasizes aggressive stack management, especially during the middle stages of a tournament, to apply maximum pressure on opponents before the money bubble. Known for his calm table presence and meticulous hand-reading abilities, Xu’s success in both fast-paced turbo events and grueling multi-day championships makes him one of the most versatile and feared players currently active on the Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances