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: 2025.12.13

Younghoon Ban is a South Korean poker player who made an immediate impact on the live tournament scene with a breakout debut in the Philippines. He garnered attention at the Manila Megastack 23 in December 2025, where he showcased a remarkable conversion rate by securing a title and a deep run in his first two recorded events.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to Somuchpoker database, Younghoon Ban has accumulated $6,275 in total live earnings, a figure entirely derived from his debut festival performance. His career-best score came at the Manila Megastack 23 , where he triumphed in the ₱50,000 Big Mystery Bounty event. He topped the field of 72 entries to claim his first Spadie trophy and a top prize of ₱309,900 ($5,285).

In addition to his victory, Ban demonstrated consistency by making a deep run in the ₱15,000 Double Stack event during the same series, finishing 10th for ₱58,000 ($990).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from South Korea, Younghoon Ban is a new face in the Asian poker circuit. His profile indicates a sudden and successful entry into competitive live poker during the late 2025 season. By choosing the Manila Megastack, one of the region’s most competitive mid-stakes festivals, for his debut, he has signaled an ambition to compete against established regulars in the Philippines.

Play Style & Strategy

Although his sample size is limited, Ban’s statistics reveal a player who is comfortable in high-pressure situations. A victory in a Mystery Bounty format suggests an aggressive style and a willingness to gamble for eliminations, which is essential for accumulating bounty tokens. Furthermore, achieving a 100% cash rate across his first two events (with one win and one top-10 finish) indicates a strong understanding of survival dynamics and final table ICM (Independent Chip Model) pressure.