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

Jiwoo Bae is a South Korean professional poker player who has rapidly emerged as a dominant force in the high-stakes Asian tournament circuit. He is best known for his clinical performances during the Super Cup Jeju 2025-2026, where he outclassed some of the region’s most seasoned veterans to secure a major title.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, he has total earnings of $91,476. Bae’s career reached a definitive peak in January 2026 at the Super Cup Jeju festival held at the Lotte Hotel Jeju. Competing in the KRW 12,000,000 No Limit Hold’em – Super High Roller , he navigated a field of 46 elite entries to capture the trophy and a career-best score of KRW 70,000,000 (~$48,875). This victory was a testament to his rising status, as he defeated high-profile opponents including China’s Dong Chen and Hui Chen. Earlier in the same festival, he signaled his strong form by finishing 9th in the Single Day High Roller event. His success is not limited to South Korea; he also made a deep run in the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Incheon 2023, finishing 18th in the KRW 700,000 Mini Main Event for KRW 2,290,000 (~$1,738).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Bae is a prominent figure in the “new wave” of Korean professionals who are redefining the local poker landscape. He is a frequent participant in major regional series such as the Super Cup (SC), the Asian Poker Tour (APT), and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT). While his early career featured consistent deep runs in events like the APPT Seoul Team Event, where he finished 2nd for KRW 2,409,500 (~$2,275), his recent focus has shifted toward high-roller competition. He is a regular fixture at premier venues like the Landing Casino and Paradise City, and he has increasingly traveled to international hubs like Las Vegas to compete in the World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he recorded a 56th-place finish in the 2025 Main Event for $45,000.

Play Style & Strategy

Bae is recognized for a highly technical and aggressive play style, particularly in the condensed fields of High Roller tournaments. He possesses a sophisticated understanding of ICM pressure, which he frequently uses to exploit his rivals during the final table phases of major events. His ability to maintain composure against world-class competition, as seen in his Super High Roller victory in Jeju, showcases a resilient mental game and an advanced tactical range. Whether navigating a massive Main Event field or a high-stakes short-handed table, Bae’s adaptability and disciplined execution make him one of the most dangerous young talents currently active in the Asia-Pacific region.

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