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James Mendoza

James Mendoza

United States of America [USA]United States of America
Poker DreamAsia Pacific Poker TourAsian Poker TourWorld Poker TourRed Dragon Poker TourThe Lord Poker TourWorld Series of PokerTriton Poker Series
Total Prize
in Asia-Pacific
$2,668,669
Largest Prize
in Asia-Pacific
$1,515,000
Festivals Attended
36
In The Money
20
Chaar-Lee
Chaar-LeeAuthor
Reviewed by Attila Kendefi

🇵🇭 James Mendoza

Profile Bio

Benjamin “James” Mendoza is a Filipino-American live tournament player whose breakthrough came later in his career but with spectacular effect. According to his Hendon Mob profile, Mendoza’s total live earnings exceed approximately US $4.3 million. Though based in the United States, he is originally from the Philippines and represents the rising wave of Asian-Philippine players making a mark on the high-stakes circuit. His story is notable: he entered the elite arena and captured a major title that instantly raised his global profile.

Career Highlights

Mendoza’s defining moment arrived at the 2025 Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju II – WPT Global Slam, where he won the US $25,000 buy-in tournament and claimed a career-best top prize of US $1,515,000. This title came as part of his debut in the Triton Super High Roller Series, making the accomplishment even more impressive. Prior to this, his live results were modest, making the win a turning point for his career trajectory.

Recent Results & Global Presence

In recent months, Mendoza has expanded his presence in major events across Asia, especially the Korean stop at Jeju. His debut in the Triton ONE Main Event, followed by victory in the WPT Global Slam, signals a shift from emerging contender to headline competitor. With a 22.2 % final-table rate and 55.6 % ITM rate in the events tracked on Somuchpoker, Mendoza is already showing the hallmarks of a strong live tournament performer.

LAST SEEN at: TRITON Super High Roller Series Jeju II 2025

Playing Style & Outlook

Mendoza stands out for his tenacity and ability to maximise opportunities in big-field and high-buy-in events. His rapid rise suggests strong mental resilience and a capacity to leverage one big win into broader success. As Asia’s live circuit continues to grow, with strong mid- and high-buy-in series in Korea, the Philippines and beyond, Mendoza is poised to build on his breakthrough and become a regular in top-tier final tables.

James Mendoza wins Triton - $25K WPT Global Slam
Asia
Interview

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

US-based Filipino James Mendoza won his first ever Triton Poker Super High Roller Series event in Jeju, South Korea at the 25K WPT Global Slam for $1.5M!

James Mendoza at 2025 WSOP
Recap
Rest of the World

James Mendoza, Quan Zhou, Punnat Punsri, Yu Hsiang Huang Among Close Calls for Bracelet Early in the 2025 WSOP

The 2025 WSOP is now underway and more than a dozen of the highly sought-after WSOP gold bracelets have already found new owners. Many Asian players came close.

2024 APPT Manila: Danielle Noja Bags APPT Open Day 1A Chip Lead; Christian Cloutier, James Mendoza Among Winners
Asia-Pacific

2024 APPT Manila: Danielle Noja Bags APPT Open Day 1A Chip Lead; Christian Cloutier, James Mendoza Among Winners

The first festival of the 2024 Asia Pacific Poker Tour is currently underway in the Philippines at Cove in Okada Manila with the APPT Manila setting sail on July 24 and running through August 5. The second day provided plenty of thrills with several players hoisting trophies. The first key event was also tabled, the […]

APPT Manila: over US$ 2.6 Million paid out; Xin Hua Lai wins the Main Event; James Mendoza walks away as the biggest earner; full festival highlights inside
Asia-Pacific
Rest of the World

APPT Manila: over US$ 2.6 Million paid out; Xin Hua Lai wins the Main Event; James Mendoza walks away as the biggest earner; full festival highlights inside

Last July 29 to August 7, PokerStars LIVE produced the biggest event in the Philippines since the pandemic, the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), at their hub in Okada Manila. Over the ten days, players flocked into the bustling capital city. Among the largest contingents were from South Korea, Singapore, Japan, India, and the […]