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: 2026.01.05

Shuhei Yamagami is a Japanese professional poker player who has become a rising figure in the Asian tournament circuit, particularly known for his frequent deep runs in major festivals across the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $12,086. Yamagami’s breakout year came in 2025, where he showcased exceptional consistency during the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila series in July. His career-best live cash of PHP 130,500 (∼$2,298) was achieved with a 3rd-place finish in the APPT Manila No Limit Hold’em – Hyper Turbo.

Just days later, he secured another podium finish at the same festival, placing 3rd in the APPT Manila Knockout Hyper Turbo for PHP 113,000 (∼$1,973). His success in the region also extends to Taiwan and South Korea. In January 2025, he finished 5th in the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) Daily Deepstacks for NTD 14,600 (∼$443), and he previously secured a runner-up finish in the AJPC Samurai Circuit Incheon Flip Out for KRW 1,396,000 (∼$1,057).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Yamagami began building his reputation through domestic events like the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) and WPT Tokyo. He holds a JOPT title, having won a Deepstack event in May 2022, which signaled his transition from local player to an international traveler on the Asian circuit.

His career trajectory highlights a preference for fast-paced tournament structures and high-intensity series. By frequently competing in major regional tours such as the APPT and the AJPC Samurai Circuit, Yamagami has established himself as a versatile player capable of navigating various field sizes across Asia’s booming poker hubs.

Play Style & Strategy

Yamagami is recognized for a high-intensity and aggressive play style, as evidenced by his significant success in Hyper Turbo and Knockout formats. These structures require rapid decision-making and a strong understanding of short-stack dynamics, areas where he has consistently outperformed large fields.

His ability to reach multiple final tables within a single series, such as his back-to-back 3rd-place finishes in Manila, demonstrates high endurance and strong tactical awareness in the late stages of tournaments. This proficiency in high-speed events makes him a dangerous opponent in the modern, fast-structured tournaments that dominate the Asian poker landscape.

Recent Attendances