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

Ben Soon Yung Loo is a Malaysian professional poker player who has established himself as a dominant force on the Asian-Pacific circuit, particularly recognized for his consistency in high-stakes and championship-level events. Residing in Kuala Lumpur, he has become a frequent traveler to major regional hubs like the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea, where he is a regular competitor in the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Ben Loo has total live earnings of $545,800. He recently surpassed the $500,000 career milestone and currently ranks 33rd on the Malaysia All Time Money List. His career-best live cash was recorded at $176,776.

In late 2025, Loo maintained a high volume of results across several major festivals:

Manila Megastack 23 (December 2025): He secured deep runs in both the Main Event, finishing 90th for PHP 86,000 (~$1,461), and the Mini Main Event, where he placed 27th for PHP 29,500 (~$501).
APT Championship Taipei (November 2025): He recorded a deep run in the APT Championship Main Event, finishing 32nd for NTD 844,300 (~$26,940). He also secured final table finishes in both the 5-Card PLO Hi-Lo (5th place) and the Pot Limit Omaha event (7th place).
APPT Manila (August 2025): He captured a title in the Teams Event Turbo, finishing 1st for PHP 225,800 (~$3,881).
Poker Dream 17 Malaysia (April 2025): He finished 17th in the Super High Roller for RM 46,000 (~$10,432).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Malaysia, Loo has been an active participant in the global poker scene, having competed in prestigious events such as the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, where he recorded cashes in the Millionaire Maker and COLOSSUS in 2024. He is known for his presence at high-stakes venues across Asia, including Paradise City in Incheon and Okada Manila. His professional rise has seen him climb significantly in the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings, where he currently holds a national rank of #28 in Malaysia.

Play Style & Strategy

Loo is recognized for his tactical versatility, demonstrating elite proficiency in both No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) formats. His recent final table appearances in 5-Card PLO Hi-Lo and standard PLO highlight a deep technical understanding of Omaha variants beyond the traditional Hold’em framework. In tournament play, he is known for a resilient approach, capable of navigating massive fields such as the APT Championship and WSOP bracelet events. His success in “Teams Event Turbo” and “High Roller Turbo” formats also suggests an aggressive and mathematically sound strategy for fast-paced, high-pressure structures.

Recent Attendances