James Mendoza “I Feel Complete” – $25K WPT Global Slam Champion

US-based Filipino player, James Mendoza, has been dazzling his friends and family on both sides of the globe with deep runs from all over including a nail-biter 3rd place finish last summer in Las Vegas at the WSOP Mystery Bounty. Despite multiple attempts, he still missed the golden merch on the world stage, however the story was quite the opposite at Triton Poker Jeju II.

On September 9, 2025, Mendoza entered his first ever Triton Poker Super High Roller Series event in Jeju, South Korea, signing up at the 25K WPT Global Slam. Two days later, he emerged as champion, outlasting the 311-entry elite field for a career high payout of $1,515,000. This incredible achievement sent Mendoza catapulting from 4th in the THM Philippines All Time Money List to the top spot.  Somuchpoker caught up with the champ for a short interview on his experience.

How did it feel when that ace hit the river to seal your win and what is it like winning this kind of money?

When that ace river came out I was relieved. Not just because the game was finally over but personally that major title I’ve been searching for is now over. I finally got it. Yes money is good but it feels nothing like being a Triton Champion.

What does it feel like to be a Triton champion?

I feel complete. Not just being a Triton champion but finally winning a world class tournament full of elites has always been my goal. I felt so relieved when that A♦ came on the river. I had so many close calls this year and even with how much money I’ve won, I still feel incomplete. After winning this tournament it feels like a dream. I’ve worked so hard and have given up so much for this game and I really feel like I deserve this. That trophy isn’t just about the success in this tournament but life in general. I had to overcome a lot of personal struggles and silent battles to get to where I am in life right now. And I’m so happy and grateful that God has put me in this position. Shoutout to my wife! My number 1 supporter! I love you and cant wait to celebrate with you guys

Let’s talk about the players that you faced, you shared in your interview at Triton that you were prepared to face them. Did anyone give you a particularly hard time?

Yes I never felt any pressure at all facing big names because like I’ve said I came prepared. I came to Triton knowing I had to battle the best in the world but I was ready. Maybe Alex (Foxen) gave me a hard time, there was a hand where I think I might have folded versus him because I thought I’ll have way more better spots later.

In fact there was a hand against Alex Foxen when you had As10s against him and you folded the nut flush draw.  Why did you fold?

I folded because I thought he wasn’t going to go crazy, considering stack distribution is relatively close. I thought I could get a better spot because I was confident versus other players at the table. But, it was really a pure call I’ve realized later and did hand review during the break.

You eliminated Emilien Pitavy (4th) and Alex Foxen (3rd) both with runner-runner straight. What was going through your mind that time? Did you feel you had this in the bag?

When I sucked out Alex and Pitavy I thought the tournament was really for me already. I mean, I ran really well at the right moment and at the right time.

You’ve played many high rollers in different series. Why is this your first Triton event? 

This my first Triton event because I felt like I was only going to play this event once I’m ready. Skill-wise and bankroll wise you gotta be prepared before playing these kinds of events.  

Will you become a regular Triton player now that you’ve claimed a title? 

I can’t promise to be a Triton regular in the future but who knows. For now I’m just enjoying every moment while I’m here until the main event.

You have so many deep runs this year. What kind of preparation do you undertake before going to an event?

Before coming to trips I do a lot of mental preparation nowadays which I used to really ignore. I’m getting better physically and mentally since the world series where I had a lot of bad habits (lifestyle). I love spending my time with family before big events. Especially spending time with my dog Bella, she helps me with my mental health a lot. 

Your buy-in range is around $1K to $20K. After this win, are you planning to increase your buy in range or are you going to stay within your normal range?

I might just play where I’m comfortable at the moment. But once I think I’m ready to go higher then I’ll give it a shot.

Mendoza eliminated Xue Song at heads up to secure the title. Watch him come from behind at four-handed to claim his first ever Triton victory. 

#1 WPT Global Slam ($25,000)

Total Prize

$7,775,000

Entries

311

ITM

47

#	Payout	Player
1	$1,515,000	JM James Mendoza United States of America
2	$962,000	XS Xue Song China
3	$721,600	AF Alex Foxen United States of America
4	$584,000	EP Emilien Pitavy France
5	$460,000	VG Viacheslav Goryachev Russian Federation
6	$350,000	YJ Yan Jingyao China
7	$260,000	BQ Bao Qiang Ho Singapore
8	$190,000	DM Dai Ming China
9	$155,000	PP Punnat Punsri Thailand

Check the 47 Payouts & Results ...

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