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: 2026.01.05

Wattana Sophontanakup is a Thai professional poker player who has become a rising figure in the Asian poker circuit, frequently competing in major festivals across Cambodia and his home country.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $14,255. While in the earlier stages of his professional career, he has demonstrated a high success rate in 2025, a year in which he secured the majority of his lifetime winnings. His career-best live cash of $8,782 occurred in May 2025 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Cambodia in Phnom Penh.

During that APPT Cambodia series, Sophontanakup outlasted a competitive field to win the $300 No Limit Hold’em – Superstack event, marking his first major tournament title on the international circuit. His resume also includes several deep runs in high-traffic regional events, contributing to his climb on the Thailand All Time Money List where he currently ranks 167th.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Thailand, Wattana Sophontanakup has established himself as a regular at major Southeast Asian poker hubs, traveling frequently to compete in festivals hosted by PokerStars and the Asian Poker Tour (APT). His trajectory shows a clear focus on the booming Cambodian market, where he has achieved his most significant professional results. He is part of a growing wave of Thai players who are increasingly impacting the regional scene, transitioning from local tournaments to championship-level international events.

Play Style & Strategy

Wattana Sophontanakup is known for a resilient and patient tournament style, which has proven particularly effective in the “Superstack” format where deep-stack play and endurance are required. His victory in Cambodia demonstrates a strong technical foundation and the ability to maintain composure during the high-pressure dynamics of a final table. By focusing on disciplined No Limit Hold’em strategy and effective stack management, he has established himself as a consistent threat in the mid-stakes Asian circuit, capable of navigating large player pools to secure major titles.

Recent Attendances