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: 2026.01.02

Seungmin “Louie” Yu is a professional poker player from South Korea who has established himself as a prominent force in the Asian poker circuit, currently ranked 19th on the South Korea All Time Money List.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Seungmin Yu has total earnings of $1,204,590. His career is highlighted by a series of high-profile victories and deep runs, particularly in the World Poker Tour (WPT ) and high-stakes Asian festivals. His career-best live cash of $77,198 was recorded during a standout performance in a major regional event.

Yu’s dominance in the 2025 season has been particularly notable. In August 2025, he secured two titles at WPT Prime Taiwan, winning the NT$ 22,000 8-Max Championship for NT$ 1,388,000 (∼$46,437) and the NT$ 77,000 Single Day High Roller for NT$ 650,000 (∼$21,525). He also demonstrated his elite status on the global stage by reaching the final table of the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) $800 Deepstack event in Las Vegas, finishing 8th for $29,364.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea and currently residing in Mapo Gu, Yu has become a “milestone” player in his home country, having surpassed the $1,000,000 career earnings mark in 2025. He is a regular fixture in the World Focused Poker (WFP) circuit in Seoul and has successfully transitioned into a global circuit nomad.

His trajectory reflects the growth of the Korean poker scene, with Yu frequently traveling to poker hubs like Taiwan, the Philippines, and Las Vegas. His consistent presence at final tables in diverse markets, from the WPT Prime stops in Taipei to the WSOP in the United States, has solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable and successful professional players emerging from South Korea.

Play Style & Strategy

Yu is known for a versatile and highly aggressive play style, particularly in the “Turbo” and “Hyper-Turbo” formats where he has secured several titles. His ability to navigate high-pressure final tables in No Limit Hold’em is evidenced by his frequent victories in 8-Max and High Roller formats, which require both tactical precision and strong ICM awareness.

Whether competing in massive-field deepstack events at the WSOP or elite single-day high rollers in Asia, Yu demonstrates a resilient approach and a keen ability to adjust his aggression levels based on stack depths. This adaptability, combined with a disciplined mindset that allows him to grind high-volume series consistently, makes him a formidable opponent on any professional circuit he enters.

Recent Attendances