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: 2026.02.16

Pang Kok Yong is a Malaysian professional poker player who has rapidly emerged as a significant force in the Southeast Asian tournament scene, most recently making a massive impact at the World Poker Tour – WPT Cambodia 2026 festival.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Pang Kok Yong has career total earnings of $187,489. His career reached new heights in February 2026 during the World Poker Tour – WPT Cambodia series at NagaWorld in Phnom Penh. He first showcased his dominance in the WPT Prime Cambodia, where he navigated a massive field of 1,095 entries to finish in 3rd place for a payout of $76,000.

Just days later, he continued his incredible run by reaching the final table of the prestigious WPT Cambodia Championship (Main Event). Competing against a field of 425 entries, he finished in 6th place, adding another $63,000 to his lifetime winnings. Other notable scores in his career include a victory in the Poker Dream 16 Jeju Superstack event in South Korea, where he earned KRW 43,500,000 (∼$32,204), and a runner-up finish in the Mystery Bounty Turbo at the same festival for KRW 3,540,500 (∼$2,621).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Malaysia, Pang has become a frequent traveler on the Asian live circuit, building a reputation for consistency in high-stakes environments. While he has participated in various regional tours, his breakthrough in 2025 and 2026 has seen him transition from a local regular to a feared international competitor. He is particularly active in Cambodia, South Korea, and his home country of Malaysia, where he frequently competes in the Poker Dream series at Resorts World Genting. His recent back-to-back final tables in major WPT events have catapulted him up the Malaysia All Time Money List.

Play Style & Strategy

Pang is known for an aggressive and resilient tournament strategy, often excelling in the high-pressure environment of large-field No Limit Hold’em events. His ability to navigate through thousands of players, as seen in his WPT Prime run, demonstrates a deep understanding of tournament variance and ICM pressure. During his recent final table appearances, he has shown a remarkable capacity for making disciplined folds while maintaining the aggression necessary to challenge elite international professionals. He is a versatile player who adapts his strategy fluidly between fast-paced turbo formats and the more methodical pace of major championship events.

Recent Attendances