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: 2026.01.08

Zhifan Ye, often known by his nickname “Mata,” is a prominent Chinese professional poker player who has quickly risen through the ranks of the international circuit. Originally a cash game specialist, Ye made a massive splash in the tournament world starting in late 2022, earning a reputation as a “new-gen poker prodigy” for his aggressive play and consistent deep runs.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Zhifan Ye has total live earnings of $479,304. His breakout period began on the Australian circuit before he expanded his dominance to major Asian stops in Malaysia, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Notable career highlights include:

WPT Australia Super High Roller (Sept 2023): Finished 5th in the A$20,000 No Limit Hold’em event for A$106,655 (~$68,724), which remains his largest single live cash.
WPT Australia Main Event (Sept 2023): Recorded a 19th-place finish for A$36,320 (~$23,403).
Poker Dream 15 Malaysia (Jan 2025): Delivered a powerhouse performance in Kuala Lumpur, finishing 7th in the Main Event for $21,500 and 6th in the Mystery Bounty for $6,574.
K Poker Cup Jeju (May 2025): Secured a 3rd-place podium finish in the Mega Stack Closer for $16,914.
WSOP Circuit Gold Coast (Dec 2022): Made headlines by bagging the overall chip lead in the Main Event, eventually helping him cross the $100,000 career milestone within just two years of playing the game.

Biography & Poker Background

Ye is a 27-year-old professional who primarily resides in China but spends a significant portion of the year traveling to high-stakes hubs. He emerged from a background in high-stakes cash games, a foundation that is clearly visible in his fearless approach to tournament play.

In late 2022, he was labeled a “prodigy” by regional media after dominating the WSOP Circuit and WPT events in Australia. Unlike many players who grind small-stakes events for years, Ye quickly transitioned into High Roller and Super High Roller fields, competing against some of the best players in the world. He is a frequent participant in the Asian Poker Tour (APT), World Poker Tour (WPT), and the Poker Dream series.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhifan Ye is known for a “muscular” and highly aggressive play style. Coming from a cash game background, he is particularly adept at playing deep-stacked, often using his chips to put maximum pressure on opponents during the middle and late stages of tournaments.

His strategy is characterized by:

Fearless Triple-Barreling: He is known for his willingness to run large bluffs across multiple streets if he senses weakness.
ICM Pressure: In high-stakes final tables, he often utilizes his stack to bully shorter-stacked professionals who are looking to ladder up in prize money.
Adaptability: While primarily a No Limit Hold’em specialist, his recent results in Mystery Bounty and Turbo formats show a keen ability to adjust his ranges based on varying tournament structures.

Recent Attendances