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: 2026.01.06

Xianchao Shen is a Chinese professional poker player who has quickly risen to prominence as a formidable high-stakes competitor on the international circuit. He is widely recognized for his success in elite series such as the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series and the Asian Poker Tour (APT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $452,645. He achieved his career-best live score in May 2024 at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Montenegro, where he finished 15th in the $125,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event for $320,000.

Shen’s performance on the high-stakes circuit has been marked by significant deep runs in prestigious events. During the same Triton Montenegro series, he also finished 15th in the $40,000 Mystery Bounty for $45,000 and 19th in the $30,000 8-Handed event for $55,400. In April 2024, he showcased his skills at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju, finishing 3rd in the Hyper Turbo event for KRW 5,870,000 ($4,264) and 12th in the Single Day High Roller for KRW 6,590,000 ($4,787). His consistent results continued into 2025, where he recorded a cash at the Red Dragon Poker Tour (RDPT) Jeju in the Championship event for KRW 5,150,000 ($3,684).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from mainland China, Shen has established himself as a versatile “nomad” of the global poker scene, transitioning from local events to the world’s most exclusive high-stakes arenas. While he frequently competes in the major poker hubs of South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines, his breakout performances in Montenegro and Jeju have propelled him into the top 200 of the China All Time Money List. He is often associated with the elite wave of Chinese players who have become fixtures in high-roller festivals across the globe.

Play Style & Strategy

Shen is known for a highly disciplined and calculated tournament strategy, excelling in both elite, small-field high rollers and massive, large-field championships. His ability to navigate deep into fields composed of the world’s best professionals, as seen in his Triton Main Event run, demonstrates exceptional tactical awareness and mental resilience. He is particularly effective in high-pressure situations, often leveraging a solid technical foundation to outlast opponents during critical late-game and final table bubble phases.

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