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: 2026.01.09

Yao Zhao is a Chinese professional poker player who has become a prominent fixture in the Asian tournament circuit. He is frequently seen competing in high-stakes festivals across South Korea and Vietnam, establishing a reputation as a resilient and technically proficient competitor on the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Asian Poker Tour (APT) circuits.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob and its total earnings, Yao Zhao has accumulated $102,540 in total live winnings. His career reached a significant peak in April 2025 during the K Poker Cup (KPC) Jeju, where he secured a massive 4th-place finish in the Main Event for KRW 61,560,000 (∼$48,760). This performance remains his career-best live cash and solidified his status as a top-tier contender in the region.

Zhao’s 2025 campaign has been particularly successful, marked by a deep run at the APT Incheon, where he finished 39th in the Main Event for KRW 9,450,000 (∼$6,972). He also found success in high-stakes formats earlier in his career, notably placing 4th in the 2024 WPT Special Event – Korea for KRW 22,642,000 (∼$16,835). His ability to navigate massive fields was further displayed at the Tiger Poker Cup Grand Finale in China, where he recorded a 14th-place finish for ¥37,600 (∼$5,382).

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from Tianjin, China, Zhao has strategically built his bankroll by dominating the local and regional markets before transitioning to the international stage. He is a frequent traveler to major poker hubs such as Jeju and Incheon, often participating in multi-day championships hosted by the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and Red Dragon Poker Tour (RDPT). His steady climb through the ranks has seen him surpass the $100,000 milestone in career winnings, and he currently holds the 835th position on the China All Time Money List. Zhao is often recognized as part of the growing wave of Chinese professionals who are consistently outperforming international fields in the burgeoning South Korean poker market.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhao is known for a calculated and patient approach to No Limit Hold’em, particularly in deep-stack Main Event structures. His success in major tournaments like the Korea Poker Cup demonstrates a strong grasp of ICM pressure and the ability to maintain focus throughout multi-day grinds. On the felt, he is a disciplined competitor who excels at identifying exploitative opportunities during the bubble phase, a skill that has led to numerous deep runs in pro-heavy fields. Whether competing in a high-variance survivor bounty or the slow-structured pace of a WPT Prime championship, Zhao’s tactical flexibility and technical foundation make him a formidable opponent at any final table.

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