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: 2025.12.30

Hongru Zhang is a Chinese professional poker player who has quickly risen through the ranks of the international poker circuit, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in major festivals across Asia and the United States.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Hongru Zhang has total earnings of $545,754. Currently ranked in the top 160 on the China All Time Money List, Zhang has demonstrated consistent performance at elite levels of play. His career-best live cash of $60,000 was achieved during a deep run in the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, where he finished 223rd out of over 10,000 players.

Zhang’s breakout performance occurred at his Asian Poker Tour (APT) debut in 2023, where he won the APT Incheon Kickoff event for KRW 29,360,019 (∼$22,170). He has continued this momentum into 2025, securing a victory in the 8-Max Survivor Bounty at the WPT Cambodia Championship for $46,188 in February. Additionally, he claimed a title at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Cambodia in May 2025, winning the Single Day High Roller for $10,709. His 2025 campaign also included an impressive 11th-place finish in the $3,000 No Limit Hold’em Freezeout at the 56th WSOP for $28,660.

Biography & Poker Background

Based in Beijing, China, Zhang made a splash in the poker world with a highly successful transition to the major live tournament circuits. While he was a relatively new face on the international scene as recently as late 2023, he quickly built a reputation as a high-volume traveler.

His career trajectory highlights a player comfortable competing on global stages, frequently alternating between high-stakes festivals in Asian hubs like Incheon, Jeju, and Phnom Penh, and the summer series in Las Vegas. His rapid accumulation of over half a million dollars in earnings within a short span marks him as one of the most successful emerging players from the Chinese poker community.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhang is recognized for his aggressive and front-running tournament strategy. During his maiden APT title run, he entered the final stages with a significant chip lead that he refused to relinquish, personally eliminating nearly half of the final table opponents. This relentless pressure on opponents is a hallmark of his game, particularly in marquee events.

He excels in No Limit Hold’em formats, particularly in High Roller and Freezeout structures where his tactical adjustments against elite fields have led to multiple deep runs. His ability to navigate massive fields, such as the WSOP Main Event and various “Monster Stack” tournaments, suggests a strong foundation in late-stage ICM pressure and a resilient mindset suited for long-duration marquee festivals.

Recent Attendances