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

Yikang Xu is an emerging Chinese professional poker player who has quickly made a name for himself in the competitive Asian tournament circuit. Primarily active in major South Korean festivals, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to navigate large fields and high-pressure final tables.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Yikang Xu has accumulated $23,141 in total live winnings. His breakout year came in 2025, dominated by deep runs during the K Poker Cup Series in Jeju. His career-best score occurred in April 2025 at the K Poker Cup Main Event, where he finished in 13th place for KRW 13,000,000 (∼$8,865). He followed this up with another strong performance in the K Poker Cup Deep Stack Turbo, securing a 5th-place finish for KRW 8,040,000 (∼$5,475). Additionally, he recorded several deep runs in online formats, including multiple cashes during the 2020 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Online on GGPoker, highlighted by a $4,318 score in the GGMasters WSOP High Roller Edition.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from China, Xu began his transition into the live international arena by targeting major regional stops in Asia. While his early recorded results include the Huang Shan Poker Cup in Wuxi, he has recently shifted his focus to the high-volume festivals in South Korea, such as those hosted at the Landing Casino in Jeju. His presence on the World Series of Poker (WSOP) online circuit during the global pandemic showcased his versatility, and he has since leveraged that experience to become a staple in live mid-stakes tournaments across the continent.

Play Style & Strategy

Xu is known for a disciplined and calculated approach to No Limit Hold’em, particularly in deep-stack and main event structures. His ability to maintain a steady chip count throughout multi-day events is evidenced by his consistency in the Korea Poker Cup. He is an adaptable player who can pivot between the patient play required for major championships and the high-variance aggression needed for turbo formats and “All-in or Fold” side events. His strategic focus on South Korean stops suggests a player who is carefully selecting high-value fields to build his professional resume.

Recent Attendances