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

Sukwang Ko is a professional poker player from South Korea who has established himself as a prominent figure in the Asian poker circuit, particularly through his consistent results in major festivals across the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Sukwang Ko has total earnings of $26,669. His career-best live cash occurred in July 2025 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour – APPT Manila, where he finished 2nd in the PHP 16,500 Okada Kickoff for PHP 1,000,000 (~$17,566).

The 2025 season proved highly successful for Ko, particularly during the APPT Manila Championship in October, where he secured multiple deep runs. Notable results from this festival include a 10th-place finish in the PHP 55,000 APPT Open for PHP 305,000 (~$5,349) and a 13th-place finish in the PHP 25,000 Mystery Bounty for PHP 113,000 (~$1,936). He also recorded cashes in the APPT Manila Megastack, finishing 12th for PHP 29,000 (~$499), and the APPT Manila Mini Main Event, where he placed 36th for PHP 51,000 (~$893).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea and a resident of his home country, Ko has become a specialized regular in the Philippine poker market. His tournament history shows a sharp focus on the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and local series like the Manila Super Series, where he recorded a 7th-place finish in the Win the Button Hyper Turbo in June 2025. While his early recorded results date back to late 2023 at PokerStars Live Manila, his volume significantly increased throughout 2025, marking him as a rising name in the regional mid-stakes community.

Play Style & Strategy

Ko is recognized for an aggressive and persistent tournament approach, frequently navigating his way to the deep stages of large-field events. His ability to contend for final tables in various formats, ranging from the high-pressure Okada Kickoff to the fast-paced Mystery Bounty, demonstrates strong tactical adaptability. In the APPT Open, he was notably involved in high-stakes confrontations that required a willingness to apply pressure, though his run ultimately ended just short of the final table after a major clash with fellow countryman Jihun Choi. His consistent performance across different tournament structures highlights his resilience and effective navigation of modern Asian tournament fields.

Recent Attendances