Jonathan Tamayo biography
Jonathan Tamayo, from Humble, Texas, attended Humble High School and studied hotel management at Cornell University before turning to poker full time. Prior to his signature victory, he had built more than $2 million in career earnings across 63 WSOP cashes, including a 21st-place Main Event finish in 2009 and four WSOP Circuit ring wins. In 2024, Tamayo defeated a field of 10,112 entrants to win the WSOP Main Event and its $10,000,000 first prize, earning the nickname "the Wizard." He has also dabbled in daily fantasy sports, winning a DraftKings Fantasy Hockey Championship in 2019.
Career summary
Cornell-educated Texan nicknamed "the Wizard" who won the 2024 WSOP Main Event, defeating a field of 10,112 players for $10,000,000.
Jonathan Tamayo poker winnings
| Year | Event | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | WSOP Main Event | 1st | $10,000,000 |
| 2009 | WSOP Main Event | 21st | $352,000 |
| 2008 | WSOP $1,500 Mixed Limit/No-Limit Hold'em | 2nd | $140,000 |
Verified live tournament earnings: $12,000,000+, plus 1 WSOP bracelet.
WSOP Circuit - Four Ring Wins - Combined - N/A
Jonathan Tamayo playing style
A patient, well-rounded tournament player who built a decade-plus WSOP Circuit resume before breaking through on poker's biggest stage.
Cash games
Primarily a tournament specialist; limited public data on cash game play.
Business & sponsorships
No major publicly known business ventures outside of poker; has also competed in daily fantasy sports, winning a 2019 DraftKings Fantasy Hockey Championship.
Jonathan Tamayo Net Worth
As of November 2026, Jonathan Tamayo net worth estimates range from $8 million to $12 million.
Verified live tournament earnings account for $12M of prize money. Tournament prize money is not the same as profit: buy-ins, staking deals and taxes are not deducted, so all net worth figures are estimates based on public reporting.
Why Jonathan matters
The Cornell-educated hotel management graduate nicknamed "the Wizard" who outlasted a record 10,112 entrants to win the 2024 WSOP Main Event.
FAQ about Jonathan Tamayo
How many players did Jonathan Tamayo defeat to win the 2024 WSOP Main Event?
10,112 entrants, earning him the $10,000,000 first prize.
What is Jonathan Tamayo's nickname?
"The Wizard."
How much has Jonathan Tamayo won playing poker?
Jonathan Tamayo has won $12,000,000+ in live tournament earnings.
How many WSOP bracelets does Jonathan Tamayo have?
Jonathan Tamayo has won 1 WSOP bracelet.