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James “Jim” Collopy, famously known as “Mr. Big Queso,” is a powerhouse American professional poker player and one of the world’s premier mixed-game specialists. A three-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner and 2024 Poker Masters champion, Collopy has successfully transitioned from a young online phenom to a feared high-stakes veteran. Currently ranking #1 on the District of Columbia’s all-time money list, he is revered for his technical mastery across multiple poker disciplines.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings surpassing $12,656,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Collopy is a titan of the American circuit. His career-best score of $973,882 was achieved with a 3rd-place finish in the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) $50,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha. Collopy is a three-time WSOP bracelet winner, capturing gold in 2013 (PLO), 2021 (H.O.R.S.E.), and 2023 ($1,500 Omaha 8 or Better). His incredible form has peaked in the mid-2020s; he dominated the 2024 Poker Masters to win the “Purple Jacket” and has started 2026 with a runner-up finish in the PGT Kickoff #3 for $135,775. His consistent high-roller results and mixed-game dominance contribute to an estimated poker net worth of over $10 million.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Washington, D.C., Collopy burst onto the scene during the online poker boom, building a reputation as a highly aggressive and technical grinder. Beyond his poker accolades, Collopy is uniquely distinguished by his academic background, having completed a Masters in International Political Economy from UC San Diego in 2021. This intellectual rigor is evident in his approach to the game, where he treats poker as a complex, evolving puzzle. After years of being a “perpetual runner-up” in major events, his breakthrough in the 2013 WSOP Asia-Pacific set the stage for a career defined by longevity. Today, he is a mainstay of the World Poker Tour (WPT) and PokerGO Tour (PGT), frequently splitting his time between Denver and Las Vegas.
Play Style & Strategy
Collopy is renowned for a “highly technical, versatile, and relentless” play style. While many modern pros specialize in No-Limit Hold’em, Collopy’s edge lies in his mastery of Mixed Games, specifically Omaha variants (PLO, Big O, and O8). His strategy is characterized by an elite understanding of hand equity and positional dynamics in four-card and five-card games. He is known for his ability to maintain a high “survivor” score in long tournament series, a testament to his mental stamina and disciplined bankroll management. Whether he is navigating a Triton Poker Series high-roller or a WSOP Championship, Collopy’s approach revolves around identifying technical imbalances in his opponents’ ranges and applying clinical pressure in non-Hold’em formats.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow “Mr. Big Queso” as he continues to chase the top of the GPI rankings and add more gold to his collection? You can find his profiles and stats here:
