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

Kazuki Yoshioka is a Japanese professional poker player who has quickly emerged as a consistent competitor on the Asian poker circuit, particularly excelling in the high-pressure environments of hyper-turbo formats. He is widely recognized for his recent string of successes in the Philippines, establishing himself as a rising name within the Japanese poker community.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Kazuki Yoshioka has total live earnings of $3,950. While his recorded total is in the early stages of his career, his 2025 campaign has been defined by high-impact finishes in major regional festivals.

His career-best result and first major victory came in December 2025 during the Manila Megastack 23 in PokerStars LIVE Manila . Yoshioka conquered the Hyper Turbo, outlasting the field to secure the title and a top prize of PHP 91,500 (~$1,560). This followed another massive performance earlier in the year at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship in October 2025, where he finished as the runner-up in the Bubble Rush event for PHP 98,000 (~$1,685). These consistent deep runs have quickly propelled him up the Japan All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Yoshioka has become a familiar face at the PokerStars Live room in Okada Manila. He is part of a dedicated group of Japanese players who have made the Philippines their primary testing ground, finding substantial success in the competitive mid-stakes fields. Yoshioka’s background reflects a transition into the international live circuit, where he has demonstrated an ability to navigate field dynamics across different tours including the APPT and Manila Megastack series.

Play Style & Strategy

Yoshioka is increasingly known for a highly aggressive and technical approach, particularly in short-stack and fast-structured tournaments. His victory in the Manila Megastack Hyper Turbo highlights a strategy that excels during the high-variance phases of play, where precise pre-flop adjustments and shove-fold ranges are critical. His runner-up finish in the APPT Bubble Rush further demonstrates his ability to handle the unique ICM pressure of specialized tournament formats, making him a formidable opponent at any final table.

Recent Attendances