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: 2026.03.27

Xu Yang (frequently indexed as Yang Xu) is a prominent Chinese professional poker player and a rising star on the international high-stakes circuit. Originally from China, Xu has established himself as a formidable competitor in the Asian poker scene, recently expanding his reach to elite global festivals. Known for his technical precision and ability to navigate world-class fields, he currently holds a respected position on the China All-Time Money List. In March 2026, he solidified his status as a high-stakes regular by securing a major final table appearance at the Triton One Jeju festival, officially surpassing the $230,000 career live earnings milestone.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live tournament earnings now exceeding $233,164 (according to The Hendon Mob), Xu Yang is a consistent performer in the mid-to-high stakes arena. His career reached a new peak in March 2026 during the Triton One 2026 series, where he finished 4th in the $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em 7-Handed event (Event #18) for a career-best $84,000. Proving his versatility, Xu has been a fixture in major Asian festivals for years, including top finishes in the Venture-Capital Poker League (VPL) and the TJPT circuits. His combined success across live festivals and regional events contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $600,000.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2026	Triton One Jeju $5,000 NLHE 7-Handed (4th)	$84,000
2026	Triton One Jeju $15,000 High Roller (31st)	$37,500
2025	Triton Jeju II $30,000 NLHE – Triton 8-Handed (13th)	$89,500
2019	Venture-Capital Poker League (VPL) ¥22,000 Emperor Event (4th)	$16,965
2020	TJPT Grand Finale Tianjin ¥85,000 (2nd)	$12,998

Biography & Professional Growth

Xu Yang’s journey in poker began in the competitive regional card rooms of mainland China and Macau . He first gained notoriety in 2018 and 2019 as a high-volume grinder, recording multiple final tables in the VPL and TJPT circuits. His breakout onto the global stage has been characterized by a disciplined transition from regional mid-stakes to the world’s most exclusive high-roller fields. In 2026, he is recognized as part of the “new wave” of Chinese professionals who balance fundamentally sound play with exploitative live reads. Beyond his technical ability, Xu is praised for his mental fortitude and his status as a consistent “flag-hunter,” recording cashes in China, Macau, Australia, and South Korea.

Play Style & Strategy

Xu is renowned for a “balanced, clinical, and patient” play style. His greatest technical edge is his short-handed navigation and adaptation to elite field dynamics, which allowed him to outlast numerous global legends in the 2026 Triton Jeju festival. Strategically, he is a proponent of maximum efficiency in deep-stacked structures, often utilizing his understanding of range accuracy to exploit aggressive opponents. In the 2025 and 2026 seasons, his results show a mastery of post-flop decision making, making him one of the most difficult Chinese veterans to out-maneuver in grueling multi-day championship events.

Follow Xu Yang as he continues his run through the 2026 circuit and looks toward the World Series of Poker (WSOP):

Recent Attendances