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: 2026.01.11

Xiaotong Yu is a professional poker player from China who has emerged as a high-volume force on the Asian tournament circuit. Known for his versatility across diverse structures, he has become a frequent fixture on the leaderboards of the region’s most prestigious poker tours.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, he has total earnings of $454,775. Yu’s career reached a high point in late 2025 at the Super Cup Jeju 2025-2026, where he outlasted a competitive field of 236 entries to capture the title in the KRW 6,000,000 No Limit Hold’em – Jeju Cup. He secured the victory and a payout of KRW 18,330,000 (~$12,800). Earlier that year, he displayed his dominance in Vietnam at the Dragon Poker Grand Opening in Hanoi, winning the VND 6,000,000 Double Stack Closer for VND 279,000,000 (~$10,581). His consistency in South Korea is further highlighted by a 5th-place finish in the Super Cup Busan Highroller for KRW 12,500,000 (~$9,148) and a runner-up finish in the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Incheon Turbo Double Stack for KRW 11,880,000 (~$8,563).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Nan Tong, China, Yu has spent the last several years establishing himself as a premier traveling professional within the Asia-Pacific region. He is a regular participant in major festivals including the Asian Poker Tour (APT), Vietnam Poker Tour (VPT), and Super Cup (SC). While his primary successes have come in the luxury casino hubs of Jeju and Hanoi, his resume also includes deep runs in the MPT Macau Poker Championship and the Poker Dream series in Malaysia. His transition from a consistent casher to a multi-title winner across different countries reflects a dedicated professional who has successfully adapted his game to the unique dynamics of the Asian high-stakes market.

Play Style & Strategy

Yu is recognized for a highly adaptable and resilient tournament strategy, often excelling in “Turbo” and “Double Stack” formats where fast-paced decision-making is critical. His victory in the Jeju Cup showcased his ability to navigate short-handed play with a mix of calculated aggression and sharp hand reading. He possesses an advanced understanding of shifting equity in bounty formats, evidenced by several deep runs in Mystery Bounty events across the circuit. Known for his composure during the high-pressure bubble and final table phases, Yu’s tactical flexibility allows him to apply effective pressure against more conservative opponents while maintaining the discipline required for long, grueling championship events.

Recent Attendances