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: 2025.12.19

Hideyoshi Tanaka is a Japanese professional poker player who has established himself as a consistent competitor in the Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the PokerStars Live (PSLIVE) and Asian Poker Tour (APT) series.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Hideyoshi Tanaka has total live earnings of $47,291. He currently holds the 481st position on the Japan All Time Money List, reflecting his steady performance across major regional hubs.

His career-best live cash of $22,678 was achieved in August 2023 at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Incheon, where he finished 11th in the APT Main Event for KRW 30,100,000. Tanaka has maintained momentum into 2024 and 2025; at the Red Dragon Poker Tour (RDPT) Jeju 2024, he secured an 89th-place finish in the Red Dragon Championship for KRW 5,390,000 (∼$3,940). His resume also includes deep runs in the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) and international cashes in the United States, further solidifying his reputation on the global circuit.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from Osaka, Japan, Tanaka has become a familiar “regular” at major Asian poker venues, frequently traveling to South Korea and the Philippines for prestigious festivals. His recorded tournament history shows a significant evolution from a regional standout to a recognized name on the international circuit, with his most productive seasons occurring between 2022 and 2025. He is a staple of the Japanese poker community, often competing alongside the nation’s top-ranked players in marquee series like the APPT and Red Dragon.

Play Style & Strategy

Tanaka is known for a disciplined and resilient tournament approach, excelling particularly in the deep-stack structures of “Championship” and “Main Event” formats. His ability to navigate through massive, multi-day fields, as evidenced by his top-tier finishes in the APT Incheon and Red Dragon Jeju, demonstrates strong mental endurance and a steady grasp of mid-to-late stage tournament dynamics. He is recognized for his tactical soundness, especially when managing his stack during high-pressure bubble phases in premier international events.

Recent Attendances