Jason Wheeler biography
Jason Wheeler grew up in Riverdale on the southern edge of Chicago. He captained his high school chess team, studied at the University of Illinois and worked as a business consultant for a financial services firm, which moved him to San Diego, where he discovered poker in 2004.
After being laid off in 2008 he turned his $6,000 severance into about $70,000 in online sit-and-gos and soon played full time; in his first WSOP summer he finished 2nd in a $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em event for $418,122. After Black Friday he moved to Mexico to keep playing online and was named Card Player Online Player of the Year in 2011. He went on to win events at EPT Berlin, EPT Vienna and WPT Amsterdam, finished 2nd in the EPT Prague Main Event in 2017 for €570,000 and won a WSOP bracelet in 2021.
In August 2026 he won the €1,650 PokerStars Open Barcelona Main Event for €731,000, his biggest score, taking his live earnings to about $6.6 million.
Career summary
Jason Wheeler, a former consultant, won a WSOP bracelet in 2021 and the 2026 PokerStars Open Barcelona for €731,000.
Jason Wheeler poker winnings
| Year | Event | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | PokerStars Open Barcelona €1,650 Main Event | 1st | €731,000 |
| 2016 | WSOP Circuit Bally's Las Vegas Main Event | 1st | $323,236 |
| 2015 | WPT Amsterdam | 1st | $140,317 |
| 2017 | EPT Prague Main Event | 2nd | €570,000 |
| 2009 | WSOP $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em | 2nd | $418,122 |
Verified live tournament earnings: $6,600,000+, plus 1 WSOP bracelet.
Jason Wheeler playing style
Wheeler is a disciplined, high-volume tournament player who measures success by longevity.
Business & sponsorships
Former consultant in the financial services industry.
Why Jason matters
Former business consultant Jason Wheeler turned a $6,000 severance payment into a poker career, won a WSOP bracelet in 2021 and the PokerStars Open Barcelona in 2026.
FAQ about Jason Wheeler
What is Jason Wheeler's biggest win?
The 2026 PokerStars Open Barcelona Main Event, for €731,000.
What did Jason Wheeler do before poker?
He worked as a business consultant in financial services.
How much has Jason Wheeler won playing poker?
Jason Wheeler has won $6,600,000+ in live tournament earnings.
How many WSOP bracelets does Jason Wheeler have?
Jason Wheeler has won 1 WSOP bracelet.
