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: 2026.01.07

Qingshan Yao is a professional poker player from the United States who is recognized for his competitive presence in both live and online tournament circuits. Currently residing in Boston, Massachusetts, he has established himself as a versatile player capable of navigating various poker formats.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Qingshan Yao has total live earnings of $9.200. His career-best live cash of $1,878 was achieved in July 2022 at the Philadelphia Live! Casino Recurring Tournaments, where he secured a 4th-place finish in a $250 No Limit Hold’em – Stacks-A-Delphia event.

In addition to his live successes, Yao is active in the online arena. In July 2024, he recorded a notable deep run in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Online Bracelet Events, finishing 37th in the $555 Pot Limit Omaha – Mystery Bounty – 6-Max for $1,838. His consistent performance across different platforms and variants, including No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, has contributed to his growing reputation and a solid foundation for his poker net worth.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the United States, Qingshan Yao has built his poker career primarily through the East Coast circuit, with significant activity in major hubs like Philadelphia and online platforms serving the MI/NJ/NV regions. He maintains a residence in Boston, where he continues to hone his skills.

Yao’s background reflects a player dedicated to volume and variety, transitioning between live casino environments and prestigious online series like the WSOP. His presence in the 2024 and 2025 tournament seasons highlights a commitment to the professional grind as he continues to climb the All Time Money List and participate in major international festivals.

Play Style & Strategy

Qingshan Yao is known for a balanced and adaptable play style, demonstrating proficiency in both standard No Limit Hold’em and specialized formats like Pot Limit Omaha. His success in Mystery Bounty and 6-Max events suggests a strong tactical awareness of short-handed dynamics and bounty-hunting strategies.

His strategic approach involves a high degree of versatility, allowing him to navigate the high-variance nature of online bounty tournaments as effectively as the structured fields of live casino events. This ability to switch gears between different game types and field sizes makes him a formidable opponent as he continues to expand his professional resume.

Recent Attendances