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: 2026.01.02

Waris Soontorn is a professional poker player from Thailand who has rapidly ascended the ranks of the Asian and Asia-Pacific poker circuits. Recognized for his deep runs in major regional festivals, he has established himself as a formidable competitor in large-field championship events.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Waris Soontorn has amassed total live earnings of $46,127. The majority of this total was earned during a breakout 2025 season, which saw him climb to 69th on the Thailand All Time Money List.

His career-best live score occurred in October 2025 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship. Soontorn navigated a highly competitive field in the PHP 165,000 No-Limit Hold’em Championship, ultimately finishing in 10th place for PHP 2,409,000 (∼$41,264). Beyond this flagship result, he has recorded consistent cashes across other prominent tours, including a deep run in the Grand Loyal Poker Championship in Hanoi, where he earned ∼$1,400 in the Main Event, and a final table appearance in the ZSOP The Final Snake in Taiwan, banking ∼$3,000.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from and currently residing in Thailand, Soontorn has focused his professional efforts on the booming poker markets of Southeast Asia and Taiwan. His rise coincided with the expansion of major international tours like the APPT and WPT Prime in the region, where he quickly moved from local tournaments to high-stakes championship fields. Soontorn’s trajectory highlights the growing strength of Thai players on the international stage, as he frequently travels to poker hubs such as Manila, Taipei, and Hanoi to compete.

Play Style & Strategy

Soontorn is known for a resilient and patient tournament style, a strategy that has allowed him to successfully navigate the massive fields typical of the APPT and Asian Poker Tour (APT). His ability to maintain composure during deep-stack championship events is evidenced by his near-final table finish in Manila, where he outlasted hundreds of players to secure his maiden five-figure cash. While his exact technical approach remains a hallmark of the new generation of Thai grinders, his consistent results in multi-day events demonstrate strong ICM awareness and an ability to apply pressure during the critical late stages of a tournament.

Recent Attendances