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: 2025.12.17

Tatsuya Kikuchi is a Japanese poker player who has recently been building a profile on the Asian tournament circuit, specifically within the Philippines.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Tatsuya Kikuchi has accumulated total live earnings of approximately $4,015. His poker resume is currently anchored by a breakout performance at the Manila Megastack 23, hosted at PokerStars LIVE Manila in December 2025.

His career-best live cash occurred during this festival in the No Limit Hold’em – SuperStack Turbo event. Kikuchi made a deep run to the final table, finishing in 4th place for a payout of ₱128,000 (∼$2,171). During the same series, he also recorded a cash in the No Limit Hold’em – Shotclock event, placing 16th for ₱13,000 (~$220). Earlier in the year, Kikuchi also found success at the Manila Megastack 22 in March 2025, where he finished 3rd in the 20/15/10 event for approximately $1,200.

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from Japan, Tatsuya Kikuchi is part of the growing wave of Japanese players traveling to nearby international hubs like Manila to compete. His recorded activity is heavily concentrated in the Philippines, showing a preference for the PokerStars Live festivals held at Okada Manila. His consistent return to these events suggests he is an active recreational player or an emerging grinder in the region’s mid-stakes scene.

Play Style & Strategy

Kikuchi’s recorded results highlight a proficiency in fast-paced tournament formats. His best score comes from a SuperStack Turbo, and he has also cashed in Shotclock and 20/15/10 (a format with decreasing level times) events. This pattern indicates a comfort with high-pressure decision-making and shallow stack dynamics, skills essential for surviving and thriving in turbo structures.

Recent Attendances