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: 2026.06.11

Thi Minh Hong Pham is a Vietnamese professional poker player and a pioneering champion on the international poker circuit. Originally from Hai Phong, Vietnam, and currently based in the United Kingdom, Pham has firmly established herself as one of the most prominent female forces in modern poker. In 2026, she made history by becoming the first-ever woman to capture a U Series of Poker (USOP) Main Event championship, a monumental feat that shattered cultural boundaries across the Asian poker landscape.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Thi Minh Hong Pham total live tournament earnings now rapidly approaching the USD 1,000,000 mark, and has quickly become a standout figure in global poker. Her career reached an all-time high in mid-2026 when she outlasted a massive field of 1,520 entries to win the USOP Vietnam Ha Long Bay Main Event, securing a life-changing top prize of VND 6.2 billion (~USD 235,105).

Demonstrating an incredible run of form, this triumph came just months after she dominated the United Kingdom, where she topped the field in January 2026 to claim the UK Poker Championships Main Event title. Her rapid back-to-back victories across two continents have catapulted her career profile, contributing to an estimated poker net worth of over $1.2 million.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2026	USOP Vietnam Ha Long Bay VND 30M Main Event (1st)	VND 6,200,000,000 (~USD 235,105)
2026	UK Poker Championships by GGPoker Main Event (1st)	Top Finish Winner’s Purse
2024	USOP Hai Phong Main Event (12th Place)	VND 698,000,000 (~USD 27,518)

Biography & Poker Background

Born in Hai Phong, Vietnam , Thi Minh Hong Pham eventually relocated to the United Kingdom, where she builds her life alongside her husband and family. Her journey into the competitive poker landscape required overcoming significant cultural hurdles, as traditional Asian norms often discourage women from pursuing card games professionally. Through unwavering dedication and a tireless work ethic, Pham gradually proved her skills to her family.

Her initial breakthrough occurred in her hometown during the USOP in Hai Phong, where her mother witnessed her make an impressive final table run. By the time she lifted the historic Main Event trophy in Ha Long Bay in 2026 with her parents proudly celebrating by her side, she had completely transformed their perception of her craft. Looking ahead, Pham has set her sights on competing at the absolute highest level, stating that her ultimate dream is to play in a prestigious Triton poker event.

Play Style & Strategy

Pham is recognized for an “aggressive, fearless, and deeply analytical” approach to the game. Her greatest technical edge lies in her table awareness and her ability to execute high-pressure decisions during lengthy tournament structures.

A defining moment of her strategic brilliance occurred during the 2026 USOP Main Event heads-up battle, where she successfully picked off a massive multi-million chip bluff by holding a pair of kings, completely crushing her opponent’s momentum.

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