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: 2025.12.13

David Howard is a professional poker player from the United Kingdom who has established himself as a dominant force in the Asian poker circuit, specifically within the Philippines. He is widely recognized for his success in fast-structured tournaments and his consistent deep runs in the Manila poker scene.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to Somuchpoker database, David Howard has built a notable resume in the Asia-Pacific region with over $35,000 in recorded earnings on the circuit. His 2025 campaign has been particularly explosive, highlighted by multiple victories in Manila. His biggest score in the region came in October 2025 at the APPT Manila Championship , where he made a deep run in the Main Event , finishing in 38th place for PHP 332,000 ($5,660).

He continued his winning streak during the same festival by taking down the Knockout Turbo event for ₱167,280 ($2,885). Howard proved his consistency again in December 2025 at Manila Megastack 23 , where he triumphed in the Shotclock event for ₱219,692 ($3,745) and made a final table appearance in the Turbo event. These frequent victories in late 2024 and 2025 underscore his status as a closing specialist in the region’s side events.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the United Kingdom, David Howard has transitioned his focus to the thriving poker market in the Philippines. While many UK professionals grind the European circuits, Howard has found a profitable niche in Manila’s major festivals, such as the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and the Manila Megastack. His presence at these recurring festivals, often held at venues like Okada Manila, suggests a dedicated grind in the Southeast Asian region rather than a “fly-in” schedule. His ability to capture multiple titles in a single year places him among the notable regulars in the Manila community.

Play Style & Strategy

Howard’s results indicate a highly effective strategy for turbo and fast-paced tournament structures. His victories in “Hyper Turbo,” “Knockout Turbo,” and “Shotclock” events reveal a player who is exceptional at short-stack management and rapid decision-making. This specialization requires a strong grasp of push/fold charts and ICM (Independent Chip Model) pressure, allowing him to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes in the late stages of tournaments. With a high percentage of his cashes resulting in wins or final tables, he demonstrates an aggressive closing style rather than a passive laddering approach.