James Calderaro

James Calderaro was born on June 5, 1965, in the United States. He began playing live tournaments in the mid-2000s, with his first recorded cash in July 2006 at the Bellagio Cup II in Las Vegas. Finishing 31st in a $1,080 No-Limit Hold'em event, he earned $2,100. This modest start marked the beginning of a steady climb in the poker world.

Calderaro's first major breakthrough came at the 2009 World Series of Poker. In the $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em World Championship (the Main Event), he finished 13th out of 6,494 players, earning $633,022. This result propelled him onto the national stage. The following year, at the 2010 WSOP, he entered the $10,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em Championship and finished 3rd for $284,845, further demonstrating his skill in mixed games.

Calderaro's crowning achievement came at the 48th WSOP in 2017. He won Event #67: $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller, capturing his first WSOP bracelet and a career-best cash of $1,289,074. This victory showcased his proficiency in Pot-Limit Omaha, a game where he would continue to excel. In 2018, at the 49th WSOP, he finished 4th in a $25,000 PLO High Roller for $414,134. Additional WSOP cashes include a 3rd place in the 2010 Pot-Limit Hold'em Championship and a 13th in the 2009 Main Event. As of 2026, Calderaro has 12 WSOP final tables, 77 cashes, and over $3.5 million in WSOP earnings alone.

Beyond the WSOP, Calderaro captured a World Poker Tour title in February 2014. At the WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open, he won the $3,500 No-Limit Hold'em Championship, earning $271,103. This victory added to his reputation as a versatile player capable of winning across different formats. He also has multiple WSOP Circuit cashes, including a runner-up finish in a $1,100 NLH event at Harrah's Cherokee in 2026 for $75,460.

Calderaro remains active on the tournament circuit. In 2024–2026, he has consistently cashed in WSOP events and WSOP Circuit stops. Notable recent results include a 6th place in a $2,200 NLH High Roller at Harrah's Cherokee (2026) for $12,623, and deep runs in $10,000 PLO Championships. His total live earnings have surpassed $6.29 million, placing him 310th on the United States All-Time Money List.

Calderaro is known for a disciplined, technical style that excels in deep-stack and Pot-Limit Omaha scenarios. He maintains a low public profile, earning him the nickname 'Big Show' for his results rather than his persona. His career highlights the value of consistency and adaptability, with success spanning No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Hold'em, and Pot-Limit Omaha. Calderaro's steady accumulation of results and his bracelet win cement his place as a respected figure in American poker.

James Calderaro, born June 5, 1965, resides in Venice, Florida. He is known by the nickname "Big Show," reflecting his low-profile persona but standout results. Despite his success, Calderaro maintains a private life away from the poker spotlight.

As of 2026, Calderaro's live tournament earnings exceed $6.29 million, placing him 310th on the United States All-Time Money List. He has 77 WSOP cashes, 12 WSOP final tables, and one WSOP bracelet, with WSOP-only earnings of $3,516,902. His largest cash remains the $1,289,074 from the 2017 WSOP PLO High Roller. Calderaro also became a World Poker Tour champion in 2014, adding a WPT title to his resume.