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: 2025.12.20

Rene Payan is an American professional poker player who has become a notable regular on the Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the major festivals held in the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Rene Payan has accumulated total live earnings of $12,948. He is currently ranked 161,060th on the All Time Money List and has established himself as a consistent “in-the-money” finisher in Manila’s high-volume regional tours.

His career-best score came in April 2025 at the Okada Manila Millions, where he secured a runner-up finish in the PHP 12,500 Megastack. Payan earned PHP 280,000 (∼$4,932) after a hard-fought heads-up battle against Alvin Jeff Sembrano , during which the chip lead changed hands multiple times.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, Payan has maintained strong form at major Manila festivals:

Manila Megastack 23 (December 2025): He recorded a 13th-place finish in the PHP 15,000 No Limit Hold’em – Mini Main Event.
Manila Megastack 22 (March 2025): He reached the final table of the PHP 10,000 Superstack Turbo, finishing 8th for PHP 26,000 (∼$455).
APPT Manila 15 (July 2024): He secured a 31st-place finish in the PHP 20,000 No Limit Hold’em – Turbo for PHP 28,000 (∼$481).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the United States, Payan is part of the growing demographic of Western players who have successfully transitioned to the booming Southeast Asian poker markets. He is a frequent competitor at the Okada Manila, a primary hub for the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT). His steady progression from regional turbo events to major festival final tables indicates a dedicated focus on building a professional resume through high-volume participation in established international tours.

Play Style & Strategy

Payan is recognized for a resilient and tactical tournament strategy, particularly excelling in Megastack and Turbo formats. His performance at the Okada Manila Millions highlighted his ability to navigate high-pressure heads-up dynamics, showing tactical aggression even when faced with significant chip fluctuations. By successfully competing in both the technical fields of the APPT and the massive fields of the Manila Megastack series, he demonstrates a versatile strategy that effectively balances survival with opportunistic chip accumulation during critical tournament phases.

Recent Attendances