![Philippines [PHL]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/ph.svg "Philippines [PHL]"){kind=small}
James Mendoza is a Filipino professional poker player who has become a prominent force on the global high-stakes circuit, widely recognized for his historic victory in the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With over $4,438,000 in total live earnings, James Mendoza currently ranks 1st on the Philippines All Time Money List. According to The Hendon Mob, his career-best live cash of $1,515,000 was achieved in September 2025 at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju II , where he won the $25,000 WPT Global Slam.
His 2025 campaign has been defined by elite consistency and multiple six-figure scores. According to The Hendon Mob, his recent triumphs and records include:
-
Winner, Triton WPT Global Slam (September 2025) for $1,515,000.
-
3rd Place, WSOP 2025 $10,000 Mystery Bounty (June 2025) for $336,594.
-
Winner, APT Championship Taipei High Roller – Last Chance (November 2025) for $60,136.
-
2nd Place, APT Manila Baby Superstar Challenge (November 2024) for $51,048.
In addition to these titles, Mendoza demonstrated his high-stakes versatility by finishing 4th in the TLPT Super High Roller Series in Jeju for $75,000 and recording a deep run in the 2024 WPT World Championship for $50,000.
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from the Philippines and currently residing in Glendale, California, James Mendoza has successfully bridged the gap between the Asian and North American poker scenes. While he is the top-ranked player in his home country, he is a frequent traveler on the global circuit, regularly posting major results at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, the Asian Poker Tour (APT), and the elite Triton Series. His rapid ascent is reflected in his Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking, where he reached a career-high of 50th in late 2025.
Play Style & Strategy
James Mendoza is known for a high-pressure and resilient tournament strategy, often described as being at the “top of his game” when facing world-class fields. During his Triton victory, live reporting highlighted his tactical precision in a heads-up battle against Xue Song and his ability to outmaneuver seasoned champions like Alex Foxen and Punnat Punsri. His strategy frequently involves leveraging chip leads to apply maximum pressure, a skill that has led to a high frequency of final table appearances in both large-field championships and exclusive high-roller environments.
