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: 2025.12.13

Masafumi Kuromiya is a Japanese poker player who made a striking debut on the international live circuit in late 2025. He garnered immediate attention by navigating a massive field in the Philippines to secure a deep run in his first major recorded tournament appearance.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to Somuchpoker database, Masafumi Kuromiya has accumulated $6,140 in total live earnings, a figure derived entirely from his breakout performance in December 2025. His poker career kicked off with a significant achievement at the Manila Megastack 23 . Competing in the ₱45,000 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event , Kuromiya outlasted the vast majority of the 850-entry field. He navigated his way to Day 3 and eventually finished in 13th place, earning a payday of ₱360,000 ($6,140). This result serves as a strong foundation for his bankroll and establishes him as a player to watch in future Asian festivals.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Kuromiya is a fresh face in the Asian poker scene. His decision to choose the Manila Megastack, one of the region’s most popular mid-stakes series, for his debut suggests a calculated entry into live tournament poker. By traveling to Manila to compete against a diverse international field, he joins the growing wave of Japanese players expanding their horizons beyond domestic events to chase larger prize pools abroad.

Play Style & Strategy

While his sample size is currently limited to a single major event, Kuromiya’s performance in the Manila Megastack Main Event reveals a promising skill set. Navigating a field of 850 players to reach the top 1.5% requires exceptional patience, discipline, and the ability to manage stack depths over multiple days of play. His 13th place finish indicates he is capable of deep-stack maneuvering and maintaining composure during the high-pressure “pay jump” phases of a large Multi-Table Tournament (MTT).