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

Rikiya Ogura is a rising Japanese professional poker player who has swiftly made his presence felt on the demanding Asian regional circuit. His recent results demonstrate a clear aptitude for navigating large, competitive fields across the continent.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

Rikiya Ogura’s total live tournament earnings, officially tracked by The Hendon Mob, currently stand at $33,440. His early career trajectory is distinguished by two crucial final table appearances that have defined his poker net worth to date.

His undisputed career-best score is $26,180. He earned this substantial payday by finishing 5th in the 850-entry Manila Megastack 23 Main Event (PHP 1,535,000 prize) in December 2025. Earlier that year, he showed his versatility in faster formats, finishing 2nd in a KRW 600,000 Turbo – Double Stack event at the APT Incheon South Korea 2025 festival, securing a noteworthy $5,740.

Biography & Poker Background

Associated with Japan, Rikiya Ogura’s tournament history reveals a focused, strategic selection of high-volume Asian tournament series. With multiple cashes recorded in both South Korea and the Philippines throughout 2025, his consistent participation in events run by the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and Manila Megastack signifies a serious commitment to the rigorous live tournament schedule.

Play Style & Strategy

Ogura’s ability to navigate an 850-entry field and reach the final table of a Main Event is a strong indicator of his strategic depth. This level of success demands a highly calculated and resilient strategy, coupled with excellent Independent Chip Model (ICM) awareness and the patience required to adapt to varied international opponent styles in a deep-stack environment.