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: 2025.12.30

Ryunosuke Kajikawa is a Japanese professional poker player who has quickly emerged as a consistent competitor in the Asian poker scene, particularly recognized for his success in the Philippines and South Korea.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Ryunosuke Kajikawa has total earnings of $16,924. While a relatively new face on the international circuit, he has already secured several notable deep runs and a major title in 2025. His career-best live cash of PHP 666,920 (∼$11,699) came in July 2025 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila.

Kajikawa’s breakout performance occurred during APPT Manila 2025, where he outlasted a massive field to win the PHP 15,000 No Limit Hold’em Sunday Million (Event #29). He continued his momentum into the APPT Manila Championship in October 2025, recording two more significant cashes: finishing 17th in the PHP 25,000 Mystery Bounty for PHP 82,000 and 42nd in the PHP 35,000 APPT National for PHP 68,000. His regional versatility is further evidenced by a 4th-place finish in the Super Hyper Turbo at APT Incheon, South Korea, for KRW 3,500,000 (∼$2,651) in August 2025.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Kajikawa has spent 2025 building a formidable resume as a traveling regular across the most competitive hubs in Asia. His rapid rise in the Japan All Time Money List, where he is currently ranked 1,081st, reflects a high-volume approach to tournament play.

While he maintains his residence in Japan, he has become a familiar face at major regional series like the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) and USOP Osaka. His transition to international events in Manila and Incheon highlights his ambition to compete on the global stage, achieving significant results in both small-buy-in daily events and major championship tournaments within his first year of recording major live results.

Play Style & Strategy

Kajikawa is recognized for his adaptability and proficiency in high-speed tournament formats. His victory in the Sunday Million and his deep run in the APT Super Hyper Turbo suggest a strong command of short-stacked play and a keen understanding of late-stage tournament dynamics.

His results in the Philippines show a player capable of navigating massive fields, demonstrating the patience required for multi-day events like the APPT National as well as the aggression needed for high-variance Mystery Bounty formats. As a rising talent from the Japanese community, Kajikawa’s strategy appears to be rooted in disciplined technical play, allowing him to consistently cash across different tournament structures and diverse international fields.

Recent Attendances