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: 2026.01.02

Ryan Ming Hong is a professional poker player from Australia, widely recognized as a veteran presence in the Asia-Pacific region with a career spanning over a decade. Currently ranked within the top 120 on the Australian All Time Money List, he has successfully transitioned his game from local Australian rooms to major international festivals in Manila, Taipei, and Vietnam.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Ryan Ming Hong has total earnings of $831,270. His career reached a significant milestone in April 2024 when he captured his best live cash of $70,902 by winning the Australian Poker Open High Roller in Sydney.

Hong has also been a dominant force in the World Poker Tour (WPT) circuit. In March 2023, he secured a major victory at the WPT Prime Gold Coast Mini Main Event for $42,340. His consistency on the Asian circuit is further highlighted by deep runs at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) , including an 84th-place finish in the 2024 APT Manila Main Event and a 193rd-place finish in the APT Taipei Poker Classic. Recently, he continued his strong form in the Philippines, finishing 35th in the 2025 APPT Manila Main Event for PHP 280,000 (∼$4,870).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Hong has been a fixture in the live poker scene since at least 2011. He initially built his reputation through the Australian Poker League (APL) and the Sydney Champs, where he has recorded numerous final table appearances.

In recent years, Hong has become a true “circuit nomad,” frequently traveling to Southeast Asia to compete in high-stakes festivals. His background in both No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha has allowed him to remain competitive as the game evolves, earning him over $800,000 in total winnings and multiple titles across various tours.

Play Style & Strategy

Hong is known for a highly adaptable and experienced play style, often described as a “seasoned grinder” who excels in navigating the specific dynamics of Asian and Australian fields. His strategy involves a disciplined approach to tournament variance, which has allowed him to sustain a professional career for over 14 years.

Whether competing in high-roller environments or massive-field main events, Hong demonstrates a strong proficiency in post-flop play and stack management. His ability to switch between tight-aggressive and more exploitative strategies depending on the tour, transitioning smoothly from the GTO-heavy fields of the WPT to the action-oriented environments of the APT, makes him one of Australia’s most versatile poker exports.

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