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: 2025.12.22

Hai Ha Tran is a Vietnamese professional poker player who has ascended to the upper echelons of the Asian circuit, establishing himself as a major title contender across Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines. He is widely recognized for his high-volume play and his status as an Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) champion.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Hai Ha Tran has total earnings of $218,513. His career reached a historic peak in May 2025 at APPT Cambodia, where he outlasted a field of 643 entries to win the APPT Cambodia Main Event for a career-best score of $155,225.

Tran has been a consistent force in high-stakes regional events throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In April 2025, he secured a 6th place finish in the Vietnam Poker Tour (VPT) Championship for VND 496,800,000 (∼$19,263) and a 57th place finish in the VPT Main Event for VND 78,900,000 (∼$3,060). His success also extends to the Asian Poker Tour (APT), where he recently finished 6th in the APT Phu Quoc Single Day High Roller for VND 224,080,000 (∼$8,847). In early 2025, he was noted for a strong performance during the WPT Prime Cambodia Championship, doubling through elite competition to maintain a deep run in the field.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Vietnam and currently residing in the country, Tran has transitioned from a local tournament regular to a feared competitor on the international Asian circuit. He spent years honing his craft in the card rooms of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, particularly at the Grand Loyal Poker Club, before expanding his reach to regional hubs like NagaWorld in Cambodia and Okada Manila in the Philippines.

His trajectory has seen him become a staple of major festivals like the World Poker Tour (WPT) and the APPT, where he is currently ranked among the top 260 players on the Vietnam All Time Money List. His longevity is evidenced by cashes dating back to 2016 at APT Manila, reflecting a nearly decade-long commitment to the professional grind in Southeast Asia.

Play Style & Strategy

Tran is known for a resilient and adaptive play style that excels in large-field championship events. His victory in the APPT Cambodia Main Event demonstrated elite mental stamina and a sophisticated understanding of ICM pressure, as he navigated a grueling final table to secure a deal-based victory against some of the region’s top professionals.

He is recognized for his technical proficiency in No Limit Hold’em, particularly in “Single Day High Roller” and “Turbo” formats where tactical aggression is paramount. His ability to frequently secure deep runs in back-to-back events within a single festival, as seen in his VPT Phu Quoc and APT Phu Quoc performances, highlights a disciplined work rate and the capacity to switch gears between technical accumulation and high-pressure shoving ranges.

Recent Attendances