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

Youkan Li is a professional poker player from China who has firmly established himself as a high-stakes regular on the Asian tournament circuit. He is widely recognized for his technical proficiency and consistent presence at final tables in major festivals across South Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Youkan Li has total earnings of $343,876. His career trajectory saw a major peak in late 2024 and throughout 2025, during which he secured his most prestigious titles. His biggest live cash to date occurred during the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Phu Quoc in November 2024, where he outlasted an elite field in the APT Single Day High Roller to claim the top prize of VND 569,890,000 (∼$22,438).

Li’s consistency is further evidenced by his performance at APT Jeju in 2025, where he recorded a 7th-place finish in a High Roller event for KRW 8,250,000 (∼$6,140). He has also found success on the World Poker Tour (WPT) circuit, notably cashing in the WPT Prime Korea Main Event for ∼$2,969. His ability to navigate the most competitive fields in Asia has propelled him to the 257th position on the China All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Li has focused his professional efforts on the thriving poker hubs of East and Southeast Asia. He is a frequent traveler on the circuit, often spotted grinding the highest buy-in events at the Landing Casino in Jeju and major venues in Hanoi. Li’s transition into the professional ranks was marked by a disciplined approach to tournament selection, moving from mid-stakes games to becoming a respected fixture in the High Roller community. His rise is reflective of the new wave of Chinese professionals who are methodically climbing the rankings by dominating the regional Asian tours.

Play Style & Strategy

Li is known for a highly disciplined and GTO-influenced play style, making him a difficult opponent to exploit in deep-stack scenarios. He excels in the technical aspects of No Limit Hold’em, particularly in his ability to apply ICM pressure during the bubble and final table phases. His strategy is characterized by extreme patience during the middle stages of a tournament, combined with a sharp increase in aggression once the blinds escalate. This tactical flexibility, combined with his experience in high-pressure “Single Day” formats, has made him one of the most consistent trophy contenders on the current APT and WPT circuits.

Recent Attendances