Jim “Mr. Big Queso” Collopy

Jim Collopy, recognized by the moniker “Mr. Big Queso,” is an accomplished American poker professional from Washington, DC. With three coveted WSOP bracelets to his name, Collopy has amassed an impressive $7.1 million in live earnings, with his highest single win amounting to an impressive $614.7K.

Jim Collopy: Early Life

Collopy, originally from Washington, DC, has become a seasoned world traveler, currently residing in Australia while balancing his time between poker and culinary school. He completed his graduate studies at the University of California San Diego, earning a Master of Advanced Studies in International Political Economy. Embarking on his poker journey at the age of 21, he took advantage of the region’s lenient gambling laws to participate in live tournaments. With numerous cash finishes in prestigious events such as the EPT’s Main Event and the WPT’s Main Event in Marrakech, he eventually earned entry to the WSOP for the first time, hosted on the renowned Las Vegas Strip.

Jim Collopy: Live Tournament Participation

Jim Collopy entered the live tournament scene in August 2007 at the Empire State Hold’em Championships in Verona, securing the 4th position in the $200 + 30 No Limit Hold’em event and earning a cash prize of $9,827. In September 2010, at the World Series Of Poker Europe in London, he attained the runner-up position in the £10,000 + 350 No Limit Hold’em High Roller Heads-Up event. He claimed a substantial prize of $274,924.

Collopy’s first WSOP Bracelet

In January 2012, Jim Collopy achieved a significant milestone in his career by winning the A$ 2,250 + 250 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 2012 Aussie Millions Poker Championship in Melbourne, accumulating $61,521 in winnings. His success continued in April 2013 at the World Series of Poker Asia-Pacific in Melbourne, where he emerged victorious in the A$ 1,650 Pot Limit Omaha event, claiming the top prize of $72,903 and a coveted WSOP bracelet.

In 2019, he won the $9,700 + 300 No Limit Hold’em High Roller Tournament at The Bicycle Casino High Roller Tournament Series in Los Angeles (Bell Gardens). Collopy secured the first-place title and a cash prize of $77,600. His winning streak continued into the subsequent year, marked by notable victories such as the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em High Roller Event at the World Poker Tour Gardens Poker Championship in Los Angeles in January 2020, where he walked away with $245,000.

Collopy’s second WSOP Bracelet

In January 2021, he achieved another triumph by winning the $5,000 No Limit Hold’em Event at the 2021 World Poker Tour Lucky Hearts Poker Open in Hollywood, earning $141,714 in winnings. His success continued in October 2021 at the 52nd World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, where he emerged victorious in the $3,000 H.O.R.S.E. Event, claiming a significant prize of $173,823 along with yet another WSOP bracelet.

His remarkable journey continued with a standout performance in August 2022, where he secured the 2nd place in the $5,300 No Limit Hold’em SHRPO Championship Event at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open in Hollywood, earning a staggering $614,775, his best live cash to date.

In September 2022, Collopy celebrated another triumph as he emerged victorious in the $5,000 No Limit Hold’em 8-Handed Event at the 2022 WPT Seminole Hard Rock in Tampa, securing $87,346 in winnings. His success continued into March 2023 when he participated in the PokerGO Tour PLO Series in Las Vegas, where Collopy clinched the top spot in the $10,000 PLO/PLO8/Big O Mix Event, walking away with $206,400.

Collopy’s third WSOP Bracelet

In the summer of 2023, Collopy’s dominance persisted as he claimed the first-place position in the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better 8-Handed Bracelet Event at the 54th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, earning $262,542 and acquiring another WSOP bracelet for his collection.

Despite finishing in 5th place in the August 2023 $5,300 No Limit Hold’em SHRPO Championship Event at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open, Collopy still managed to cash $223,925.

On March 14th, 2024, another milestone was reached in Collopy’s illustrious career as he emerged victorious in the $10,500 Pot Limit Omaha High Roller event at the Wynn Millions Poker Series in Las Vegas, claiming the first-place prize of $175,000.

Despite finishing 35th in the $1,700 No Limit Hold’em WSOPC Main Ring Event at the World Series of Circuit in Las Vegas on March 29th, 2024, Collopy still managed to cash $3,845.

Conclusion:

Jim Collopy is a dominant force in professional poker, celebrated for his strategic acumen and unwavering success in live tournaments. With three WSOP bracelets and over $7.1 million in earnings, Collopy’s journey from Washington, DC to prestigious stages like the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour showcases his dedication and skill. His ability to excel in various formats, from No Limit Hold’em to Pot Limit Omaha, solidifies his status as one of the game’s elite players. As Collopy continues to navigate the poker landscape, his impact on the sport will undoubtedly endure, inspiring players and earning the respect of his peers for years to come.