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: 2026.04.16

Shuang Qiu is a high-stakes Chinese professional poker player and one of the most consistent “crushers” on the modern Asian circuit. Known for his deep runs in major championship events, Qiu solidified his status as an elite tier pro with a podium finish at the 2025 APT Jeju Main Event. He has become a dominant force in the South Korean poker scene, particularly at the Landing Casino and Jeju Shinhwa World. As of April 2026, he is coming off a massive runner-up finish at the RDPT Plus, further cementing his reputation as a big-game specialist who thrives under the pressure of televised final tables.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live tournament earnings now soaring past $350,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Shuang Qiu is rapidly ascending the China All-Time Money List. His career-best performance occurred in late 2025 at the APT Jeju Main Event , where he finished 3rd out of a massive field for ₩255,380,000 (~$181,110 USD). Proving this was no fluke, he dominated the opening of the 2026 season, securing a second-place finish in The Dragon Awakening at the RDPT Plus Jeju in April 2026 for ₩50,900,000 (~$34,270 USD). His estimated poker net worth now sits between $600,000 and $800,000.

Major Tournament Results:

Date	Event	Prize
Apr 2026	RDPT Plus Jeju – The Dragon Awakening (2nd)	$34,270
Nov 2025	APT Jeju Main Event (3rd)	$181,110
Feb 2026	APT Jeju Classic High Roller Ultra Stack (13th)	$13,500
Aug 2025	Jeju Poker Festival NLHE (ITM)	$10,279

Shuang Qiu poker — Shuang Qiu (Credit: RDPT)

Biography & Poker Background

Shuang Qiu represents the vanguard of the Chinese poker boom, combining aggressive live play with a disciplined, study-heavy approach. While he has been a respected figure in regional circles for years, his transition to the international championship stage in 2025 was meteoric. By securing back-to-back major final tables in Jeju, arguably the most competitive hub in Asia, Qiu has proven his mastery over both massive Main Event fields and elite “Plus” series structures. In 2026, he is frequently cited by peers as one of the most difficult opponents to face during the “bubble” and final table phases, where his chip-leading aggression becomes a major weapon.

Play Style & Strategy

Qiu is renowned for a “high-pressure, championship-level” play style. His greatest technical edge lies in his final table ICM awareness and his ability to exploit tight-passive opponents in high-stakes spots. Unlike many grinders who play a safe “survival” game, Qiu is known for making bold, range-based bluffs and thin value bets that force opponents into difficult decisions for their entire stacks. Strategically, his 2026 run at the RDPT Plus showcased a refined “small-ball” approach, allowing him to maintain a healthy stack throughout long levels without risking unnecessary variance. His performance in the 2025 APT Main Event remains a masterclass in deep-stack navigation.