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: 2025.12.19

Ronald Gorgonia is a Filipino professional poker player who has established himself as a prominent figure in the Southeast Asian tournament scene, particularly within the PokerStars Live (PSLIVE) circuit in the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Ronald Gorgonia has total live earnings of $23,342. He currently holds the 312th position on the Philippines All Time Money List, a testament to his consistent performance in high-field regional festivals.

His career-best live cash of $5,759 was recorded in January 2024 at the Manila Super Series (MSS) 19 in PokerStars LIVE Manila , where he triumphed in the Super Series Turbo event. Gorgonia outperformed a field of 344 entries to secure the largest share of a heads-up deal, earning PHP 320,000 and a PokerStars spadie trophy. He has maintained strong momentum into late 2025; at the Manila Megastack 23 in December 2025, he recorded two notable finishes. He placed 98th in the PHP 45,000 Main Event for PHP 77,000 (∼$1,315) and secured an 8th-place finish in the Turbo side event for PHP 25,000 ($425). His resume also includes an 8th-place finish in the Manila Megastack 18 Mystery Bounty for PHP 67,000.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from the Philippines, Gorgonia has become a familiar “regular” at the Okada Manila, which serves as the primary hub for his tournament activities in Southeast Asia. His recorded tournament history shows a significant evolution from a local grinder to a recognized name on the international PokerStars Live circuit, with his most productive seasons occurring between 2022 and 2025. Gorgonia is a staple of the local community, frequently competing alongside the nation’s top-ranked players in marquee series like the APPT and Manila Megastack.

Play Style & Strategy

Gorgonia is known for a disciplined and resilient tournament approach, excelling particularly in high-speed and large-field formats. His victory in the Super Series Turbo demonstrates a high proficiency in managing short-stack dynamics and the volatile late stages of fast-paced tournaments. He has also shown strong tactical adaptability in Mystery Bounty and Deepstack structures, where his ability to outlast massive fields highlights a patient and calculated strategy. During the Manila Megastack 23 Main Event, his mental endurance was on display as he navigated through 850 entries to secure a profitable finish in the money.

Recent Attendances