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

Chikara Asano is a Japanese professional poker player who has quickly established himself as a competitive presence on the Asian poker circuit. He is widely recognized for his recent success in Manila, particularly for his deep runs in specialized tournament formats during major regional festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Chikara Asano is a rising name in the Japanese poker community with total live earnings of $5,583, that are rapidly growing through his participation in the Philippine circuit. His career-best score came in December 2025 during the Manila Megastack 23 at PokerStars LIVE Manila .

Asano demonstrated elite final table capabilities by finishing 4th in the No Limit Hold’em – 6 Handed for PHP 381,200 (~$6,500). This performance saw him outlast a competitive field and compete alongside seasoned international players like Henrik Tollefsen. His success in the Manila Megastack series, which featured over PHP 36,000,000 in total guarantees, has solidified his status as a formidable mid-to-high stakes regular in the region.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Asano has become a fixture in the burgeoning Asian poker market, focusing his efforts on premier venues in the Philippines. While his early poker history remains largely private, his trajectory in 2025 shows a sharp focus on high-prestige tours such as the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and the Manila Megastack. He is part of a dedicated group of Japanese professionals who have leveraged the high-volume tournament schedules in Manila to build their international resumes and climb the Japan All Time Money List.

Play Style & Strategy

Asano is known for a tactical and aggressive play style, showing particular proficiency in short-handed (6-max) tournament formats. His 4th-place finish in the Manila Megastack 6-Handed event suggests a strategy that effectively capitalizes on the wider ranges and increased frequency of play characteristic of short-handed tables. He appears to excel in navigating the mid-to-late stages of tournaments where ICM pressure and stack leverage are paramount, demonstrating the patience and technical awareness required to reach the final stages of major regional events.

Recent Attendances