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: 2025.12.20

Taro Sakai is a Japanese poker player who has established a consistent presence on the Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Taro Sakai has accumulated total live earnings of $3,048. He is currently ranked 3,363rd on the Japan All Time Money List and holds a Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 94,503rd.

His career-best score came in December 2024 at Manila Megastack 20 in PokerStars LIVE Manila , where he finished 9th in the PHP 10,560 + 1,440 No Limit Hold’em – Megastack (Event #25) for PHP 44,500 (∼$760). Throughout 2025, he has maintained a steady cashing record in Manila:

Manila Super Series 21 (February 2025): He secured a 60th-place finish in the Main Event for PHP 35,000 (∼$604) and placed 31st in the Mystery Bounty for PHP 16,000 (∼$275).
Manila Megastack 23 (December 2025): Most recently, he achieved a podium finish, placing 3rd in the PHP 10,000 No Limit Hold’em – 10/10/10 event.
APPT Warm Up (July 2024): He recorded a 34th-place finish in the Mystery Bounty for PHP 14,000 (∼$240).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Sakai is part of the growing community of Japanese players who frequently travel to the Philippines to compete in major regional series such as the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and the Manila Megastack. While his recorded live cashes began in early 2023, he has shown versatility across different formats, including a 4th-place finish in a 6+ (Short Deck) event at the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) in Tokyo. His steady progression at venues like the Okada Manila indicates a dedicated focus on building his professional resume within the Southeast Asian market.

Play Style & Strategy

Sakai is recognized for a disciplined and tactical approach to tournament poker, particularly excelling in large-field Mystery Bounty, Megastack, and Main Event structures. His results in Manila, specifically his 3rd-place finish in the specialized “10/10/10” format, suggest a strong command of technical tournament dynamics and the patience required to navigate deep into multi-day fields. By successfully transitioning between the technical fields of Tokyo and the international fields of the Philippines, he demonstrates a versatile strategy that allows him to adapt to various opponent archetypes found across the Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances