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

Sangjun Shin is a South Korean professional poker player who has become an active competitor in the Southeast Asian poker scene, particularly within the Asian Poker Tour (APT) circuit.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Sangjun Shin has accumulated total live earnings of $3,232. He is currently ranked 5,465th on the South Korea All Time Money List.

His career-best score occurred in late 2025 at the APT Manila, one of the flagship stops on the Asian circuit. Shin navigated a competitive field in the No Limit Hold’em – Main Event to secure a 5th-place finish, earning PHP 106,700 (∼$2,096). This deep run in a major championship event established him as a rising talent to watch in regional fields.

Other notable results include:

APL Osaka (May 2025): He recorded a final table finish in Japan, placing 10th in the ¥15,000 No Limit Hold’em – The Elephant Stack.
Grand Poker Tour (October 2023): He finished 28th in the KRW 330,000 No Limit Hold’em – GPT Early Mega Championship for KRW 1,000,000 (∼$739).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Shin is part of the robust community of Korean players traveling extensively to compete in the booming Southeast Asian markets, such as the Philippines and Japan. While he shares a similar name with other Korean players like Sangjoon Shin (who holds $5,380 in earnings) and Sang Hwa Shin ($10,258 in earnings), Sangjun has carved out his own distinct presence through high-profile cashes in major tours like the Asian Poker Tour (APT). His progression on the live circuit shows a transition from domestic Korean events to established international championships.

Play Style & Strategy

Shin is recognized for a disciplined and tactical approach to tournament poker, particularly excelling in large-field Main Event structures. His 5th-place finish at APT Manila indicates a strong command of stack management and the patience required to navigate the high-pressure environment of a major final table. By successfully competing in both the technical domestic fields of Japan and the diverse international fields of the Philippines, he demonstrates a versatile strategy that allows him to exploit various opponent archetypes across the Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances