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James Romero
James Romero is an American professional poker player who became a legend of the game almost overnight. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Romero shocked the poker world in 2016 when he walked into one of the biggest tournaments in Las Vegas as an unknown and walked out as a multi-millionaire champion. Known for his sharp business mind and aggressive approach, he has since become a top-tier pro and a highly respected coach, currently ranking 3rd on Oregon’s all-time money list.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament winnings of over $6.5 million (according to The Hendon Mob), Romero is a powerhouse on the high-stakes circuit. His biggest career score came during his breakout performance at the 2016 WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic at the Bellagio. In what is still considered one of the most dominant runs in WPT history, he outlasted a record-breaking field to win $1,938,118.
Romero has proven that his early success was no fluke by continuing to crush high-roller events worldwide. In 2020, he won the $25,000 Super High Roller at the partypoker MILLIONS South America for $325,000. He also earned $420,000 for a 3rd-place finish in the partypoker MILLIONS UK Main Event that same year. His 2025 campaign has been equally active, with a 2nd-place finish in a Venetian UltimateStack event for $35,828 and a deep run in the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas for $21,600.
Biography & Poker Background
James Romero’s story is a perfect example of preparation meeting opportunity. A graduate of the University of Oregon Business School, he initially lived in Costa Rica while honing his skills in the online poker world. Before his historic $1.9 million win, he had less than $5,000 in recorded live cashes, making his victory at the Bellagio one of the greatest “unknown to superstar” stories in poker history. He grew up watching the game on television and cites Chris Moneymaker as the reason he first picked up a deck of cards. Today, he isn’t just a player; he is also a lead instructor at PokerCoaching.com, where he shares his high-level strategies with students looking to follow in his footsteps.
Play Style & Strategy
Romero is widely feared for his brutally aggressive style and his ability to maintain extreme focus during long tournament days. Often described as a highly technical player, he uses his business background to treat every hand like a calculated investment. He is a specialist in No Limit Hold’em but is also known for his deep understanding of tournament theory and game tree analysis. Unlike many players who rely on “feel,” Romero is a heavy student of the game who spends countless hours studying simulations and solver data. This dedication allows him to stay ahead of the competition, even as the global high-roller fields become more difficult every year.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow James Romero as he continues his 2026 run in the biggest live and online events? You can track his latest results and coaching updates here:
Video Highlights:
My relationship with cards started thanks to my father. I was still in elementary school when he first taught me how to play Rummy, and I still remember the long evenings spent playing cards with my family. During the poker boom, I was still underage, but the televised tournaments immediately captured my attention. I became fascinated with the game and started learning different poker formats whenever I had the chance. Later in life, as an adult, I was fortunate enough to spend four years playing poker professionally. During that time, I mainly focused on Heads-Up Sit and Go games, where I found the format that suited me best. Even though my professional career was relatively short, poker remains something I’m grateful to have experienced as a major part of my life. Today, I play mostly as a hobby, while writing has become my main focus. That said, my enthusiasm for writing about poker is just as strong as my passion for playing the game once was.
