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: 2025.12.12

Siyuan Liu is a Chinese poker player and major tournament finalist, recently distinguishing himself with a deep run in one of the largest Main Events held in the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Siyuan Liu achieved his most significant recorded poker result in late 2025 at the Manila Megastack 23. Competing in the Main Event , which drew a massive field of 850 entries, Liu navigated his way to the final table, ultimately finishing in 9th place. This performance secured him a payout of ₱538,250 (approximately $9,180), marking a career-high score and establishing his presence on the international live circuit.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Liu is part of the extensive community of Chinese players who frequently travel to Southeast Asian poker hubs like Manila to compete in high-value festivals. His appearance at the Manila Megastack final table places him among the successful regional grinders capable of enduring multi-day events with large fields. By outlasting over 800 opponents to reach the final nine, he demonstrated the stamina and skill required to compete at a high level in the Asian market.

Play Style & Strategy

Liu’s run in the Manila Megastack Main Event highlights a play style focused on survival and field navigation. Reaching the final table of such a large tournament requires a disciplined approach to stack preservation and situational awareness. Reports from the final table indicate he entered as one of the shorter stacks and was the first player eliminated, suggesting he likely played a tight, ICM-aware game in an attempt to ladder up against aggressive chip leaders like eventual champion Edilberto Gopez.