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

Ronald Acosta is a professional poker player from the Philippines who has established himself as a prominent figure in the local and regional Southeast Asian tournament scene, particularly within the PokerStars Live (PSLIVE) and Asian Poker Tour (APT) circuits.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Ronald Acosta has total live earnings of $28,488. He is currently ranked 276th on the Philippines All Time Money List, reflecting his consistency in high-field regional events.

His career-best live cash of $7,497 came at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila 15 in August 2024, where he finished as the runner-up in the SuperStack event for PHP 432,000. Acosta has maintained strong momentum into late 2025; at the Manila Megastack 23 in December 2025, he secured a deep run in the Main Event, finishing 54th out of 850 entries for PHP 113,000 (∼$1,920). His resume also includes significant scores from the RVS Cup, where he earned PHP 120,000 ($2,043), and multiple final table appearances in Metro Summer Event and Manila Super Series tournaments.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from the Philippines, Acosta has been a regular fixture at major Manila venues, including Okada Manila and the Metro Card Club. His recorded tournament history dates back to early 2017, showing a steady progression from local small-stakes events to flagship regional championships. He is recognized as a staple of the Filipino poker community, frequently competing alongside the nation’s top-ranked players in the most prestigious tours across the archipelago.

Play Style & Strategy

Acosta is known for a disciplined and resilient tournament strategy, excelling particularly in deep-stack and large-field formats. His ability to navigate through hundreds of opponents, as evidenced by his recent performance in the Manila Megastack Main Event and his runner-up finish in the APPT SuperStack, highlights a high level of patience and tactical proficiency. He is particularly dangerous in the middle and late stages of tournaments, where his experience with local play styles allows him to make effective exploitative adjustments during critical bubble and final table phases.

Recent Attendances