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: 2025.12.18

Yuta Sugaya is a professional poker player from Japan who has become a rising figure in the Southeast Asian tournament scene, particularly recognized for his success in major Manila-based festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Yuta Sugaya has total live earnings of $12,629. While he has competed extensively in his home country, his most significant financial scores have come from prestigious tours in the Philippines.

His career-best live cash was achieved in August 2025 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila, where he finished 4th in the Mini Main Event for PHP 550,000 (∼$9,631). Sugaya maintained this high momentum into the late 2025 season; at the Manila Megastack 23 in December 2025, he secured a victory in the Badugi event, earning PHP 105,954 (∼$1,797). His resume also includes several final table appearances in the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) , notably finishing 8th in the Megastack event and 4th in a WPT Tokyo Deepstack tournament.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from Chiba, Japan, Sugaya has established himself as a versatile player within the Japanese poker community before transitioning to the international stage. He is currently ranked 1,285th on the Japan All Time Money List. While his early tournament successes were concentrated in Tokyo, he has increasingly focused on the booming Asian circuit, frequently traveling to Okada Manila to compete against diverse international fields. His trajectory shows a clear evolution from regional mixed-game specialist to a serious contender in marquee No Limit Hold’em events.

Play Style & Strategy

Sugaya is known for his technical proficiency across a wide range of poker variants, evidenced by his title in Badugi and high finishes in 10 Game Mix and Stud Hi/Lo events. This versatility suggests a deep understanding of game theory beyond standard Hold’em dynamics. In tournament play, he demonstrates a disciplined and patient approach, particularly effective in navigating the deep structures of “Mini Main” and “Megastack” formats. His ability to maintain composure during high-pressure final tables has allowed him to consistently secure podium finishes in both local and international circuits.

Recent Attendances