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

Xiang Zhang, often referred to in the circuit as “Jason,” is a Chinese professional poker player who has become a prominent fixture in the Asian tournament scene through his deep runs in major regional festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Xiang Zhang has total live earnings of $78,146. He has consistently performed across the Asian circuit, but his most significant career milestone occurred in early 2025. At the Poker Dream 16 Jeju, he navigated a massive field of 1,384 entries in the Main Event to secure a 5th-place finish, earning a career-best KRW 92,370,000 (∼$64,130).

His success extends to other major tours, including the Asian Poker Tour (APT) . In 2025, he showcased his consistency at APT Jeju, where he placed 43rd in the KRW 1,100,000 Mystery Bounty Hunter for KRW 2,290,000 ($1,624). He also found success in Taiwan, banking TWD 80,000 (∼$2,600) for a 12th-place finish in the APT Taipei TWD 35,000 Single Day High Roller. These results have solidified his reputation as a high-volume grinder capable of outlasting large, competitive fields.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from China, Zhang has spent the last several years building a robust resume primarily within the booming Asian poker markets. While many players focus on a single location, he is known for his mobility, frequently traveling to major stops in South Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

His breakthrough year in 2025 saw him transition from smaller local events to becoming a regular threat in mid-to-high-stakes tournaments. He is a familiar face at Poker Dream and APT events, where he has successfully adapted to the varying dynamics of the regional player pools. His trajectory suggests a player who is steadily climbing the ranks of the Chinese All-Time Money List.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhang is recognized for a calculated and resilient play style, particularly in large-field No Limit Hold’em tournaments. He often employs a patient approach during the early stages of a tournament, allowing him to navigate through hundreds of opponents before applying more pressure as the field thins.

His performance in the Poker Dream Jeju Main Event highlighted his strong ICM awareness and ability to handle the pressure of a major final table. In high-stakes environments, such as the APT High Roller events, he has shown an ability to shift gears, using well-timed aggression and chip leverage to keep his opponents off-balance. This versatility makes him a formidable opponent in both standard tournament structures and faster-paced formats like Mystery Bounties.

Recent Attendances