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: 2025.12.22

Tsubasa Shiina is a Japanese professional poker player who has become a frequent competitor in the Asian poker circuit, notably establishing a strong presence in the Philippines through consistent deep runs in major Manila-based tournaments.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $6,957. Shiina has demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate competitive fields in some of Asia’s most prominent poker hubs. His career-best score stands at $2,107, achieved with a 5th-place finish in the HKD 4,000 No Limit Hold’em event at the 2016 MBP Summer Showdown in Macau.

In 2025, Shiina has been particularly active and successful in the Manila circuit. He recently secured a victory at Manila Megastack 23 in PokerStars LIVE Manila last November 2025, winning the PHP 2,400 + 600 + 2,000 No Limit Hold’em – Knockout Hyper Turbo for PHP 40,812 (~$694). Earlier that year, he recorded several deep runs at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship, including a 4th-place finish in the PHP 15,000 No Limit Hold’em – Run It Twice for PHP 45,000 ($789) and a 7th-place finish in the PHP 10,000 Knockout Hyper Turbo for PHP 29,500 (~$508).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Shiina is part of the dedicated wave of Japanese players who have turned the Southeast Asian circuit into their primary professional arena. Since his first recorded major cash in Macau in 2016, he has transitioned into a regular at major Manila stops, including the APPT, Manila Poker Cup, and the Manila Megastack series. His trajectory reflects a resilient grinder who has successfully built a solid professional resume by consistently performing in mid-stakes international festivals across the Asian market.

Play Style & Strategy

Shiina is known for a highly adaptable and aggressive tournament strategy, particularly excelling in fast-paced formats like Knockout Hyper Turbos. His success in specialized events such as “Run It Twice” and various Knockout structures demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of non-traditional tournament dynamics and the mathematical adjustments required for bounty-based prize pools. He effectively utilizes his experience in the large-field Manila events to navigate high-variance situations, balancing calculated aggression with the patience necessary for deep-run success in the regional circuit.

Recent Attendances