Updated: 2026.03.12

James Mendoza is a professional poker player from the Philippines who has risen to become the top-ranked player on his country’s all-time money list. Known for his incredible climb from small home games in Cebu to the biggest stages in the world, Mendoza has earned a reputation as a hard-working and humble competitor. Now residing in California, he continues to represent the Philippines globally, proving that dedication and a strong mental game can take a player from micro-stakes to the high-roller circuit.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, James Mendoza has won over $4.4 million in live tournament earnings. His most massive victory took place in late 2025 during the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Jeju. He took down the $25,000 WPT Global Slam event, defeating a final table of world-class pros to secure a career-best $1,515,000.

Mendoza has been a consistent winner for over a decade, with trophies from several major Asian tours. In 2022, he won the APPT Manila Super High Roller for $111,563, and in 2023, he made a deep run in the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) in the Bahamas, finishing 11th for $307,500. He is also a force at the World Series of Poker, where in 2025 he finished 3rd in the $7,000 Mystery Bounty event for $336,594. These results have solidified his position as the number one poker player in the Philippines by a wide margin.

James Mendoza poker — James Mendoza (photo courtesy of Asian Poker Tour)

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

Mendoza is known for a disciplined and prepared approach to poker. He spent years playing Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) cash games, which helped him develop a deep understanding of hand values and post-flop strategy. Before his breakout on the high-roller scene, he invested heavily in mental coaching and studying to ensure he could compete with the world’s best. At the table, he is often described as calm and focused, rarely letting the massive pressure of high-stakes buy-ins affect his decision-making. His ability to switch gears between aggressive tournament play and patient cash game strategy has made him one of the most versatile players from the Asian region.

Want to follow James Mendoza as he continues his 2026 run in major tournaments like the WPT and Triton series? You can track his latest scores and stats here: