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: 2025.12.22

Youngtaek Lim is a South Korean professional poker player who gained international recognition after a historic victory at the 2025 APPT Manila festival, where he became the first player of the series to hoist the prestigious PokerStars shard trophy.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Youngtaek Lim has total earnings of $104,736. His career was forever changed in July 2025 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila, where he outlasted a massive 600-entry field to win the APPT National event. For this victory, he earned a career-defining payout of PHP 3,340,000 (∼$58,825).

Lim’s performance throughout the APPT Manila series was a display of pure dominance. He also recorded cashes in the PokerStars Red Dragon event for PHP 109,000 (∼$1,912) and the APPT Shotclock for PHP 24,000 (~$423). Prior to his success in the Philippines, he was active in the South Korean local circuit, securing a 4th place finish in the GPT Grand Prix Main Event for KRW 11,000,000 (∼$8,499). These consistent results have propelled him into the top 300 of the South Korea All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Lim is a rising star in the Asian poker community who has transitioned from local Korean events to major international festivals. He entered the APPT Manila National with a focused mindset, emerging as the Day 1A chip leader and maintaining his momentum throughout the four-day event.

His victory in Manila was particularly significant as he outplayed several established professionals and former champions, including Andoni Larrabe and Maxwell Rosete. While still relatively early in his international career, Lim’s ability to remain calm under the pressure of a major final table has made him one of the most watched South Korean players on the 2025 circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Lim is known for a disciplined and calculated play style, which he famously summarized during his APPT victory: “I focused on my cards and didn’t play crap hands”. Unlike many aggressive modern players, Lim prioritizes card selection and patience, waiting for high-equity spots to apply pressure.

During the APPT National final table, he utilized his massive chip lead with “unwavering discipline,” avoiding unnecessary risks while still managing to capitalize on favorable board textures. His strategy involves a blend of technical fundamentals and a strong psychological game; he admitted to being “shocked” by his own luck when cracking pocket kings and queens, yet he never let his emotions dictate his play. This “no-nonsense” approach has proven highly effective in navigating the high-variance environment of large-field Asian tournaments.

Recent Attendances