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: 2025.12.20

Takumi Asahara is a Japanese professional poker player who has recently emerged as a competitive force in the Southeast Asian poker scene, particularly within the specialized tournament fields of Manila.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Takumi Asahara has accumulated total live earnings of $2,306. He has strategically focused his efforts on high-volume festivals in the Philippines, recording multiple deep runs during the Manila Megastack series.

His career-best score came in December 2025 at Manila Megastack 23, held at the PokerStars LIVE Manila . Asahara navigated a competitive field in the PHP 20,000 No Limit Hold’em – Double Stack event, finishing 10th for PHP 60,000 (∼$1,026). Earlier in 2025, he demonstrated his consistency on home soil by cashing in the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) 2025 Grand Final in Tokyo, finishing 52nd in the JPY 30,000 No Limit Hold’em – Platinum event. His ability to secure scores in both the technical domestic fields of Japan and the diverse international fields of Manila has solidified his status as a rising regular on the circuit.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Asahara is part of the robust community of Japanese players traveling extensively to compete in the booming Southeast Asian markets. While currently ranked 3,336th on the Japan All Time Money List, his trajectory shows a dedicated focus on building a professional resume through consistent volume in major regional tours like the APPT and Manila Megastack. His progression reflects a transition from local Japanese tournaments to established international championships in the Philippines.

Play Style & Strategy

Asahara is recognized for a disciplined and methodical tournament strategy, often excelling in “Double Stack” and “Deepstack” formats that allow for extensive post-flop play. His results in the Manila Megastack series, specifically his final table bubble finish in the Double Stack event, indicate a strong command of stack management and the patience required to navigate large-field structures. By successfully securing points in both high-pressure international festivals and technical domestic events like the JOPT, he demonstrates a versatile approach that balances survival with aggressive chip accumulation during critical tournament phases.

Recent Attendances