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

Tomoharu Furuya is a Japanese professional poker player and mixed game specialist who recently claimed a title at the Manila Megastack, distinguishing himself with proficiency in both No Limit Hold’em and Omaha variants.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Tomoharu Furuya has accumulated over $67,000 in total live earnings, a figure steadily growing due to consistent deep runs across Asia and the United States. His breakout victory occurred at the Manila Megastack 23 in December 2025, where he captured the title in the ₱30,000 No Limit Hold’em event. This win marks a significant milestone in his career, complementing his standing “Best Live Cash” of approximately $16,843. Unlike many regional grinders focused solely on Hold’em, Furuya boasts an impressive resume of final tables in non-standard variants, including a 3rd place finish in the $500 Limit Omaha 8 or Better at the LAPC 2025 in Los Angeles and multiple “Big O” and PLO deep runs in Taiwan.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Furuya is a versatile competitor who splits his time between the Asian circuit, frequenting hubs like Taipei and Manila, and major series in the United States. He has been active since at least 2018, logging results at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), Asian Poker Tour (APT), and World Poker Tour (WPT) events in Tokyo. His willingness to travel for specific mixed-game tournaments, such as the LAPC in Los Angeles and Golden Nugget series in Las Vegas, highlights a dedication to mastering all forms of poker rather than just the most popular formats.

Play Style & Strategy

Furuya’s results paint the picture of a highly adaptable “mixed game” player. His success in split-pot games like Limit Omaha 8 or Better and Big O requires a mathematically rigorous strategy and patience that differs significantly from standard No Limit Hold’em aggression. However, his recent NLH victory in Manila proves he can switch gears effectively. This dual-threat capability allows him to exploit opponents in Hold’em tournaments who may underestimate his technical proficiency in post-flop scenarios, a skill sharpened by the complex decisions required in Omaha variants.