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: 2026.01.08

Xiangyu Yu is a Chinese professional poker player who has rapidly ascended the ranks of the international high roller circuit. Known for his fearless approach and ability to compete against the world’s elite, Yu has become a standout figure at prestigious series like the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series and the Asian Poker Tour (APT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Xiangyu Yu has total live earnings of $579,768. His career reached a new trajectory in late 2025, marked by a series of high-stakes scores and championship victories. His career-best payout came in September 2025 at Triton One Jeju, where he navigated an elite field in the $15,000 No Limit Hold’em – Triton One High Roller (Event #15) to finish in 6th place for $218,500.

Yu’s momentum continued into the final quarter of the year. In October 2025, he dominated the Poker Dream 19 Malaysia series at Resorts World Genting. He claimed a major title in the MYR 15,000 No Limit Hold’em – High Roller, banking MYR 346,000 (~$72,900). Proving his versatility, he returned just days later to win the MYR 738 No Limit Hold’em – Mystery Bounty Turbo for an additional MYR 16,700 (~$3,512). His consistency was further evidenced by a 2nd-place finish in the KRW 300,000 No Limit Hold’em – Super Hyper Turbo at the Jeju Poker Festival for KRW 2,250,000 (~$1,618).

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from China, Xiangyu Yu has transitioned from a regional grinder to a global competitor. While many of his early successes were rooted in the domestic Chinese circuit, including a victory in the CNY 10,000 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event at the 2023 A-P Poker Cup, he has successfully expanded his reach to Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea. His breakthrough onto the Triton Poker stage in 2025 signaled his entry into the elite echelon of the game. He is currently ranked among the top 150 on the China All Time Money List and continues to be a driving force for Chinese representation in international poker.

Play Style & Strategy

Yu is recognized for an aggressive and highly adaptable tournament strategy. He excels in high-pressure environments, particularly in high roller and turbo formats where quick decision-making and ICM awareness are paramount. His ability to maintain composure against the world’s top-ranked players at the Triton Series suggests a deep technical foundation and a strong psychological edge. Whether he is managing a deep stack in a championship event or navigating the volatility of a mystery bounty turbo, Yu’s calculated aggression makes him a constant threat to reach the final table.

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