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

Qiaonan Liu is a professional poker player from China who has become a frequent and successful competitor across the major Asian and international tournament circuits. Known for his versatility in both No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, he has secured numerous deep runs in prestigious series including the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the Asian Poker Tour (APT), and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Qiaonan Liu has total live earnings of $301,195. His career reached a significant peak during the 56th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2025 in Las Vegas. Competing in one of the most technical fields of the summer, he secured a 4th-place finish in the $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha – 8-Handed (Bracelet Event #54), banking a career-best score of $105,947.

His success is not limited to the United States; he is a dominant force in Asian poker hubs. In September 2025, he traveled to South Korea for the Triton One Jeju series, where he finished 6th in the $1,285 + 215 + 500 No Limit Hold’em – Bounty Quattro for $12,500. He also found success at APT Jeju 2025, placing 25th in the KRW 1,100,000 No Limit Hold’em – Mystery Bounty Hunter for KRW 3,650,000 (~$2,588). Additionally, he holds a victory from the Manila Super Series 12, where he won the PHP 10,000 No Limit Hold’em event for PHP 97,500 (~$1,916).

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from China, Qiaonan Liu has established himself as a “road warrior” of the modern poker era. While he maintains a strong presence in domestic Chinese events, such as the CPG Sanya Championship, he has successfully transitioned into a global competitor with results in the Philippines, South Korea, Cambodia, and the USA. His career trajectory shows a steady move from regional mid-stakes tournaments to competing for bracelets and high-roller titles. Currently ranked among the top 310 on the China All Time Money List, he continues to represent the growing strength of the Chinese poker community on the world stage.

Play Style & Strategy

Liu is recognized for an adaptable and technical tournament strategy, with a particular specialization in Pot Limit Omaha (PLO). His 4th-place finish in a major WSOP PLO event highlights his deep understanding of post-flop equity and hand selection in four-card variants. In No Limit Hold’em, he is known for a resilient approach, often excelling in “Mystery Bounty” and “Bounty Quattro” formats where his ability to adjust to bounty dynamics provides a significant edge. Whether he is navigating the high-pressure environment of a WSOP final table or a fast-paced Asian turbo event, his calculated aggression and tactical flexibility make him a formidable opponent.

Recent Attendances