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

Yuan Xu is a professional poker player from China who has recently emerged as a highly consistent and successful figure on the international tournament circuit. Based in Chengdu, he has become a frequent traveler to major stops in Cyprus, Vietnam, and Malaysia, building a reputation for his deep runs in high-stakes fields.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Yuan Xu has total earnings of $367,708. His career reached a significant milestone in late 2024 when he made a deep run at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Cyprus. Competing in the Eureka Main Event, Xu outlasted thousands of entries to finish in 5th place, securing a career-best payout of $101,390.

Xu has also demonstrated his dominance within the Poker Dream and U Series of Poker (USOP) circuits. In November 2024, he traveled to Kuala Lumpur for Poker Dream 13, where he claimed a victory in the No Limit Hold’em event for RM 19,800 (∼$4,436) and finished 11th in the Main Event for RM 57,600 (∼$12,891). He continued his strong form into 2025 at the USOP Grand Finale in Hai Phong, finishing 10th in the Superstar Challenge for VND 317,200,000 (∼$12,516). Additionally, he recently made his mark at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, securing multiple cashes including a 100th-place finish in a WSOP No Limit Hold’em event for $2,405.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Chengdu, China, Xu has transitioned from a regional player to a global competitor within a remarkably short period. His professional background is characterized by high volume and a strategic focus on prestigious tours like the EPT and APT. While he maintains a low profile outside of the tables, his results in high-pressure environments like the Merit Poker Carmen Series in Cyprus and major festivals in Jeju have earned him a rank of 236th on the China All Time Money List. His ability to consistently cash in diverse jurisdictions, from the online streets to the live arenas of Las Vegas and Seoul, marks him as one of the most versatile Chinese pros today.

Play Style & Strategy

Xu is recognized for a resilient and highly technical play style, particularly excelling in large-field “Deepstack” and “Superstack” formats. He utilizes a GTO-based foundation that allows him to remain balanced against elite European fields, as seen in his EPT success. His strategy is often characterized by extreme patience during the early levels, followed by a tactical shift toward high aggression during the bubble and final table phases. This ability to apply pressure and navigate complex ICM scenarios has made him a frequent threat in high-roller and championship events across Asia and Europe.

Recent Attendances