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: 2025.12.22

Ryo Oikawa is a Japanese professional poker player who has quickly emerged as a rising talent on the Asian circuit, particularly noted for his success in high-pressure knockout formats.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Ryo Oikawa has total earnings of $9,218. His career-defining victory occurred in March 2025 during the PokerStars LIVE Manila – Manila Megastack 22, where he outlasted a field of 92 entries to win the PHP 1,000,000 Guaranteed Survivor Knockout (PHP 30K Bounty). For this first-place finish, he claimed a top prize of PHP 307,000 (~$5,300) plus additional bounties.

Oikawa has maintained strong momentum throughout 2025, with his total seasonal earnings reaching $7,097. His best live cash to date stands at $2,587, and he currently ranks 1,568th on the Japan All Time Money List. His recent results also include deep runs and cashes in major regional stops, consistently finding himself in the money across various No Limit Hold’em events in the Philippines and Japan.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Oikawa is part of the robust wave of Japanese players dominating the Southeast Asian poker scene. He transitioned from local Japanese tournaments to international festivals in 2024, quickly finding his footing in the competitive Manila market. While many of his peers focus on traditional structures, Oikawa has found a niche in bounty and survivor formats, where his strategic adjustments have led to significant hardware.

Play Style & Strategy

Oikawa is known for an aggressive and opportunistic play style, which is particularly effective in knockout and bounty tournaments. His victory in the Manila Megastack Survivor Knockout demonstrated a high level of situational awareness, as he successfully navigated a field of 92 hopefuls by balancing the need for survival with aggressive bounty hunting. This adaptability between conservative preservation and calculated aggression makes him a formidable opponent in the evolving mid-stakes Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances