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: 2025.12.12

Kazuo Yamamoto is a Japanese professional poker player and tournament regular, known for his high-volume schedule and consistent results across the major Asian poker circuits, including the APT, APPT, and Manila Megastack.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Kazuo Yamamoto has accumulated over $207,000 in total live earnings, establishing himself as a prominent grinder in the region. His resume features consistent five-figure scores, with his Best Live Cash of approximately $28,520 coming from a deep run in the WPT Cambodia Championship . In October 2025, he secured a significant title at the APPT Manila Championship, winning the Mystery Bounty event for ₱276,655 (approx. $4,720). Most recently, he displayed remarkable consistency at the Manila Megastack 23 in December 2025, cashing in five separate tournaments, including a 6th place finish in the 6-Handed event and a 7th place finish in the SuperStack Turbo.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Yamamoto is part of the dedicated wave of Japanese players who travel extensively for international poker festivals. His schedule is notably diverse, covering major hubs in the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and even extending to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas and events in Australia. This willingness to travel and compete in varying fields, from the APT Taipei to the Wynn Summer Classic, highlights a professional approach to the game and a commitment to building a global resume.

Play Style & Strategy

Yamamoto’s results indicate a highly adaptable play style suited for the high-variance nature of tournament poker. He frequently cashes in “Turbo,” “Mystery Bounty,” and “6-Handed” formats, suggesting he excels in adjusting to faster structures and aggressive short-handed dynamics. Furthermore, his participation in High Roller events, such as his 3rd place finish in the APT Phu Quoc High Roller 8-Max, demonstrates that he is comfortable competing against elite fields and can hold his own in deep-stacked, high-buy-in scenarios.