Crypto trader James Wynn has made headlines with his audacious $1.25 billion Bitcoin long position on Hyperliquid, using 40x leverage. However, the high-stakes bet took a $29 million hit after former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement triggered a market downturn.
Wynn initially opened an $830 million Bitcoin position on May 21, securing $400 million in profits before scaling it up to $1.1 billion. Despite briefly cashing out 540 BTC for a $1.5 million profit, his massive leverage left him vulnerable. When Trump proposed a 50% tariff on EU imports, Bitcoin plunged below $107,000, wiping out gains across crypto markets.
Despite the setback, Wynn remains highly profitable, with over $57 million in lifetime earnings and $46 million in the past month alone. Known as a high-risk leverage trader and memecoin enthusiast, he gained attention for predicting Pepe’s rise at a $600,000 market cap.
With $BTC hovering near $109,000, Wynn’s position remains at risk. His aggressive strategy highlights both the potential rewards and extreme dangers of high-leverage crypto trading. As volatility persists, the market watches to see if his bold bet will pay off—or lead to a dramatic liquidation.