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: 2025.12.23

Seiji Kikuoka is a professional poker player from Japan who has become a consistent presence in the Asian live tournament circuit, particularly in major festivals held in the Philippines and Taiwan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Seiji Kikuoka has total earnings of $135,732. He recently surpassed the $100,000 career milestone following a string of successful results in 2025. His career-best score stands at $73,347, which remains his primary highlight on the international stage.

In July 2025, Kikuoka demonstrated his competitive edge at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour – APPT Manila, where he secured a 28th-place finish in the PHP 35,000 APPT National for PHP 94,000 (∼$1,656). He has also found success in specialized formats, previously recording a deep run in the NTD 25,000 High Roller Hyper Turbo at APL Taipei, earning a share of the NTD 604,800 prize pool. Currently, he ranks 183rd on the Japan All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Kikuoka is a regular traveler on the Asian poker tour, frequently appearing at APT, APPT, and APL events. While his primary volume is concentrated within the Asian market, his rising rank in the Global Poker Index suggests an increasing focus on maintaining a year-round presence at major festivals. As of late 2025, he continues to reside in Japan while competing at high-stakes tables across the region.

Play Style & Strategy

Kikuoka is characterized by a versatile and resilient tournament strategy, capable of navigating both the large, multi-day fields of National championships and the high-variance environment of Hyper Turbo High Rollers. His consistent ability to reach the money in diverse event types, ranging from standard No Limit Hold’em to Swap Hold’em and Super Knockouts, reflects a broad tactical understanding of different tournament structures. This adaptability has allowed him to maintain a steady climb up the Japanese rankings, establishing him as a reliable mid-stakes professional on the circuit.

Recent Attendances