Jason Wheeler’s Relentless Drive on Show at EPT Barcelona
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If there's one player who radiates determination every time he sits down in a major poker event, it's Jason Wheeler. Whether on social media or while sitting at the table, the American's presence is unmistakable. Every single tournament he's in, he wants to win, and he makes no effort to hide it.
"I still believe in myself," Wheeler says. "To be here after 20 years, still competing with everybody who studies for hours every single day in these little groups - it's still me versus the herd. And I'm still successful. With all my live experience, when I'm deep, I feel like I'm the one to beat."
For Wheeler, belief isn't optional. "If you don't think you're going to win these big-field events, then why are you playing? Either move to bigger buy-in smaller fields, or readjust your strategy."
A Lifetime of Competition
Long before poker, Wheeler was chasing success in chess and was the team captain of his high school team. Climbing to an unofficial rating between 2200 and 2300, he even travelled to play semi-professionally around the Midwest.
But reality intervened: "I realized there was no real money in it," he admits. Poker became his new focus.
His poker career has been filled with highlights: A WPT High Roller in 2015 with a WSOP Circuit ring the following year. In 2021, Wheeler finally added a WSOP bracelet to his poker résumé.
"I want to go out with a bang, playing these huge fields, playing the Main Event."
But Wheeler feels there's unfinished business.
"I've had a good career, a good life, and over the last few years, I've put more focus on family. Right now, I feel like I want to show what I'm still capable of. Unlike some of the big names, I never had that stretch of going big score after big score, and then really go after it.
"I've had a good career, and I want to go after it the same way I went at it in the beginning, and when I step away, I want it to be on my own terms. I want to go out with a bang, playing these huge fields, playing the Main Event."
Almost Two Decades on Tour
He's been playing the European Poker Tour for over 15 years — his first cash coming back in EPT London in 2010 — and the longevity means he's watched the game and the fields evolve. From the rise of live poker in the wake of Black Friday, to the current post-COVID landscape, Wheeler has seen every wave of talent. And he likes what he sees in this 2025 edition of live poker, especially in the mid-stakes.
"In the mid-level buy-ins, from the €500 to €5,000 range, it's never been better," he explains. "There are so many tours, so many events, and they're smashing records without even needing guarantees. Poker at that level is booming."
For aspiring players grinding their way up, he says, the opportunities have rarely been greater.
"It's never been a greater time to come up in the mid-stakes. If you're willing to take some shots in terms of bankroll management, I think live poker is booming."
Dreams of Victory
As for what would make 2025 a year to remember, Wheeler doesn't hesitate: winning the EPT Barcelona Main Event. "That would put a smile on my face, no question."
And he's got evidence to back up his normal levels of determination and grit.
"About eight years ago, I had the only poker dream I've ever had, and I got heads-up in the PokerStars Championship Prague Main Event. And earlier this week, my wife had a dream, the only poker dream she's ever had. Let's just say it lined up in a way that makes me feel like I'm meant to win this one."
Throwback Thursday: Check out this video with Wheeler from EPT Monte Carlo back in 2022!
