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

Tatsuya Tsuboi is a Japanese professional poker player who has become a frequent face in the Southeast Asian tournament scene, particularly within the Manila poker circuit.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $4,015. While he is still in the early stages of his professional journey compared to high-stakes veterans, he has shown a knack for navigating the competitive fields of the Manila Megastack series. His career-best score came in December 2025 at Manila Megastack 23 in PokerStars LIVE Manila , where he finished 4th in the No Limit Hold’em – SuperStack Turbo for ₱128,000 ($2,171).

Earlier that same year, he secured another significant result at Manila Megastack 22, taking 3rd place in a ₱10,000 No Limit Hold’em event for ₱67,000 ($1,170). These consistent performances in the Philippines have established him as a rising name to watch within the regional mid-stakes community.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Tsuboi has pivoted his focus toward the booming live poker markets in Asia. Unlike many players who remain strictly within the domestic Japanese poker scene, he has spent much of 2025 grinding in the Philippines. His trajectory shows a clear preference for the Manila Megastack and other local festivals, where the player pools offer a mix of local enthusiasts and international grinders.

Play Style & Strategy

Tsuboi is best described as a disciplined tournament specialist with a focus on smaller to mid-stakes No Limit Hold’em events. His results in turbo and deep-stack formats suggest he possesses a strong grasp of short-stack dynamics and the late-stage aggression required to reach final tables. He frequently excels in fast-paced structures, where his ability to maintain composure during high-pressure “all-in” situations has led to multiple top-five finishes.

Recent Attendances