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: 2025.12.12

Yuhei Ando is a professional poker player from Japan who splits his time between Las Vegas and his home country. He is recognized for his active presence in both the Asian tournament circuit and the World Series of Poker (WSOP), consistently cashing in events ranging from large-field marathons to fast-paced turbos.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to the Hendon Mob, Yuhei Ando has accumulated $47,527 in total live earnings. His career is defined by frequent cashes and a recent surge in final table appearances. His career-best score of $17,045 was achieved in January 2023 at an event in South Korea. He has also found success in the Philippines, notably at the Manila Megastack 23 in November 2025, where he claimed a victory in the No Limit Hold’em Hyper Turbo and a runner-up finish in the Double Stack event. Furthermore, he has proven his ability to navigate massive fields, finishing 1,010th in the 2025 WSOP Millionaire Maker for $3,160.

Biography & Poker Background

Yuhei Ando hails from Japan but lists his residence as Las Vegas, Nevada, indicating a commitment to the global poker lifestyle. This dual base allows him to compete regularly in the United States while maintaining a strong presence in the Asian market. His recent activity highlights a player who is comfortable traveling for value, with recorded results spanning from Las Vegas to Manila and South Korea. His transition into the international circuit is marked by a willingness to grind diverse buy-in levels to build his resume.

Play Style & Strategy

Ando’s results suggest a versatile play style capable of adapting to extreme structure differences. His victory in a Hyper Turbo event demonstrates strong push-fold knowledge and the ability to make high-variance decisions correctly. Conversely, his deep run in the massive WSOP Millionaire Maker field indicates the patience and discipline required for marathon multi-day tournaments. This balance of aggression in fast structures and stability in deep-stack events makes him a well-rounded competitor.