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

Yixi Tang is an emerging Chinese professional poker player who has rapidly climbed the ranks of the Asian tournament circuit. He is primarily known for his consistent deep runs in high-profile South Korean festivals, where he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate both massive multi-day fields and high-pressure turbo formats.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob and its total earnings, Yixi Tang has accumulated $141,621 in total live winnings. His career reached a major turning point in 2025 during the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju II, where he proved he could compete at the highest level by finishing 23rd in the $8,000 Triton ONE Main Event for a career-best score of $45,200. He followed this up with a 5th-place finish in the Triton ONE NLHE 8-Handed event for $17,564.

Tang has also established himself as a dominant force in the K Poker Cup (KPC) and Asian Poker Tour (APT) circuits. His 2025 campaign included a victory in the KPC Hyper Turbo for KRW 9,040,000 (∼$6,591) and a runner-up finish in the KPC Win the Button event for KRW 5,410,000 (∼$3,944). Additionally, he secured a 3rd-place finish in the Red Dragon Poker Tour (RDPT) Mini Main Event in Jeju for KRW 25,230,000 (∼$17,350), further solidifying his reputation as a high-volume grinder with an elite technical edge.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from China, Tang has strategically built his bankroll by targeting the competitive poker hubs of South Korea and Vietnam. While he initially gained experience in mid-stakes regional tours like the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Red Dragon Poker Tour (RDPT), his transition to the Triton Series in 2025 marked his official entry into the international high-roller community. Currently ranked 637th on the China All Time Money List, Tang’s rapid ascent in 2025, during which he surpassed the $100,000 earnings milestone, has made him one of the most promising young talents representing the Chinese poker scene today.

Play Style & Strategy

Tang is recognized for a highly adaptable and aggressive tournament strategy, excelling particularly in fast-paced “Hyper Turbo” and “Win the Button” formats. His success in these structures highlights a sharp understanding of short-stack technical play and the ability to make high-equity decisions under immense time pressure. On the felt, he is a resilient competitor who remains composed during the grueling deep stages of major championships, a trait evidenced by his deep runs in the Triton ONE Main Event and the APT Main Event. Whether he is navigating the high variance of a survivor bounty or the slow-structured pace of a WPT Prime championship, Tang’s tactical versatility makes him a formidable threat in any field.

Recent Attendances