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: 2026.01.07

Yuankai Zhang is a professional poker player from China who has become a consistent name in the Asian tournament circuit. He is frequently seen competing in major regional festivals, having built a reputation for deep runs in high-stakes side events across South Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Yuankai Zhang has total earnings of $15,687. While he is currently building his bankroll in the live arena, he has already secured several notable scores in highly competitive fields. His biggest live cash to date occurred during the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju 2024, where he put on a strong performance in the APT High Roller, finishing in the money for KRW 8,250,000 (∼$6,140).

Zhang has also demonstrated his consistency on the World Poker Tour (WPT) circuit. He recorded a significant cash at WPT Prime Taiwan 2024, finishing deep in a No Limit Hold’em Turbo event for NTD 65,000 (∼$2,050). Additionally, he found success in Vietnam at the Grand Loyal Poker Championships (GLPC), securing a payout of VND 48,500,000 (∼$1,980) in a deepstack event. These results reflect his ability to maintain a high level of play across the most prestigious tours in the Asian market.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Zhang has focused his professional career on the thriving poker hubs of East and Southeast Asia. He is a frequent traveler on the circuit, often spotted grinding at the Landing Casino in Jeju and the CTP Asia Poker Arena in Taipei. Zhang’s transition to the professional ranks has been marked by a disciplined approach to tournament selection, moving from local mid-stakes games to the international stage. His steady rise is part of a broader trend of Chinese professionals who are methodically climbing the China All Time Money List by dominating the regional Asian circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhang is known for a calculated and resilient play style, excelling in the late stages of turbo and high-roller formats where precision is key. He utilizes a GTO-influenced strategy, which makes him a difficult opponent to exploit in short-handed situations. His approach is often characterized by patience during the early levels, followed by a significant increase in aggression and well-timed 3-betting once the blinds escalate. This ability to navigate large fields and apply pressure at the final table has established him as a rising talent to watch on the APT and WPT tours.

Recent Attendances