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: 2025.12.17

Yun Rong Cheong is a professional poker player from Singapore who has established himself as a prolific grinder on the Asian tournament circuit, particularly in Malaysia and the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Yun Rong Cheong has accumulated total live earnings of $136,484. His breakout performance and biggest career cash occurred in August 2023 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila, where he finished 2nd in the ₱40,000 Super Stack Freezeout for ₱1,059,000 (∼$19,114).

Cheong has maintained a high volume of results throughout 2024 and 2025, securing multiple titles in the region. Notable victories include a win at Poker Dream 18 Malaysia in August 2025, where he took down the Mystery Bounty Turbo for RM 18,500 (∼$4,394), and a 1st place finish at Manila Megastack 18 in February 2024 for ₱163,976 (∼$2,938). He also recorded a significant score in January 2025, finishing 3rd in a Poker Dream 15 Deepstack event for RM 42,800 (∼$9,506).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Singapore, Cheong focuses his play on the Southeast Asian “mid-major” circuit. He is a regular fixture at festivals such as the Manila Megastack, Poker Dream, and the Singapore Poker Championships (often held on cruise ships or regional venues).

His resume reflects the lifestyle of a dedicated traveling pro, with frequent trips to Kuala Lumpur and Manila to compete in series like the Grand Loyal Poker Championships in Vietnam and various Poker Dream stops across Malaysia. This consistent travel schedule has allowed him to build a substantial portfolio of cashes in a relatively short period.

Play Style & Strategy

Cheong’s tournament record suggests a high-volume approach with a particular aptitude for faster structures and bounty formats. He frequently cashes in “Turbo,” “Hyper Turbo,” and “Mystery Bounty” events, indicating a strong understanding of short-stack adjustments and aggressive push-fold ranges required for these formats.

However, he is also capable of navigating deeper structures, evidenced by his “Monster Stack” cashes and deep runs in Main Events, such as his 19th place finish in the Manila Megastack 19 Main Event. This versatility allows him to maximize his volume during tournament festivals, playing a wide mix of events ranging from daily turbos to major championship tournaments.

Recent Attendances