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: 2026.03.21

Yue Zhao is a dynamic professional poker player from China who has rapidly made a name for herself on the high-stakes international circuit. Known for her versatility across both No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, Zhao’s career reached a new trajectory in March 2026 during the Triton One Jeju festival. Competing against elite global fields, she secured two major final table finishes in a single day, proving herself as a formidable force in the modern Asian poker movement. With a background in competitive strategy and a growing resume of deep tournament runs, Zhao is widely regarded as a rising star to watch in 2026.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

As of March 2026, Yue Zhao’s recorded tournament winnings for the year have already surpassed $60,500, according to Card Player and real-name online data. Her breakout performance occurred at the 2026 Triton One Jeju series, where she finished as the runner-up in the $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) 6-Max for $44,000. Remarkably, on the same day, she also navigated a large field in the $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em 8-Max to secure 6th place for an additional $16,500. These results have propelled her into the top tiers of the 2026 Women’s Money List for China , contributing to an estimated poker net worth of approximately $250,000.

Major Tournament Results:

Year	Event	Prize
2026	Triton One Jeju $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 6-Max (2nd)	$44,000
2026	Triton One Jeju $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em 8-Max (6th)	$16,500
2024	Asian Poker Tour (APT) Taipei High Roller (Cash)	$5,366
2025	Macau Poker Cup Side Event (Cash)	$2,800

Yue Zhao poker — Credit: Triton Poker Series

Biography & Poker Background

Yue Zhao represents the new generation of Chinese poker talent that prioritizes multi-disciplinary skill. She first began appearing in regional Asian events, including the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Macau Poker Cup, where she honed her skills in technical, short-handed formats. Her transition to the Triton One series in 2026 marked her entry into the world of elite high-stakes poker. Beyond her individual success, Zhao is noted for her composure and analytical approach, often seen studying high-level PLO dynamics, a variant where she has found significant early success. Currently based in China, she is a frequent traveler to major poker hubs like Jeju, South Korea, and Taipei.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhao is recognized for her aggressive, adaptive play style, particularly in short-handed (6-Max) structures. Her runner-up finish in the Jeju PLO event highlights her advanced understanding of pot equity and positional pressure in 4-card poker. Strategically, she is a proponent of high-frequency aggression, using her stack as a tool to dictate the pace of the final table. Unlike many traditional players who focus solely on Hold’em, Zhao’s ability to pivot between variants gives her a unique edge in mixed festivals. Her 2026 results suggest a deep mastery of late-stage tournament ICM, allowing her to consistently convert deep runs into final table appearances.

Follow Yue Zhao as she continues her 2026 campaign and prepares for the upcoming World Series of Poker (WSOP):