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: 2026.01.10

Yifan Cao is a Chinese professional poker player who has established himself as a prominent figure in the Asian tournament circuit, specifically within the major festivals of South Korea and Macau.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $131,423. Cao has been exceptionally prolific in 2025, recording a high frequency of cashes in championship-level events. His career-best score occurred during the Jeju Red Dragon 2019, where he finished 5th in the KRW 2,500,000 Main Event for KRW 73,019,000 (∼$63,050).

In 2025, Cao maintained a high level of consistency, notably during the APT Incheon and the Jeju Poker Festival. His standout results for the year include:

K Poker Cup Main Event (June 2025): 7th place for KRW 31,200,000 (∼$22,803).
Super Cup Incheon High Roller (Oct 2025): 5th place for KRW 13,000,000 (∼$9,241).
K Poker Cup Mini High Roller (April 2025): 3rd place for KRW 11,730,000 (∼$7,987).
APT Incheon Main Event (Aug 2025): 120th place out of a record-breaking field for KRW 4,420,000 (∼$3,183).

Biography & Poker Background

Based in China, Cao has become a fixture in the burgeoning South Korean poker hubs of Jeju and Incheon. He is a frequent competitor in the Asian Poker Tour (APT), Red Dragon Poker Tour (RDPT), and the Korea Poker Cup (KPC). His professional trajectory is defined by a steady climb up the China All Time Money List, where he currently ranks within the top 700. Cao is part of a wave of Chinese professionals who have shifted their primary focus to international stops in South Korea and Macau to capitalize on the high-value tournament structures and large player pools.

Play Style & Strategy

Cao is recognized for a disciplined and resilient tournament strategy, a style that has led to his high volume of deep runs in massive fields. He demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of stack dynamics, particularly in “Main Event” and “High Roller” structures that require long-term patience. His performance in the APT Incheon 2025 Main Event, where he held one of the top ten stacks heading into Day 2, highlights his ability to accumulate chips efficiently during the early and middle stages of a tournament. His strategy blends solid fundamental play with sharp adjustments in short-handed final table situations, making him a consistent threat in the Asian mid-to-high stakes community.

Recent Attendances