Crypto Trader James Wynn Loses 99% of $100 Million, Deactivates Social Media

James Wynn, a high-profile crypto trader renowned for his aggressive, high-leverage trading strategies, has deactivated his X social media account. This action follows reports of substantial losses, estimated to be in the nine-digit range, which have drawn significant attention within the crypto community.

Wynn's trading approach, characterized by high-risk, high-reward bets, often went against prevailing market sentiment. This strategy led to considerable losses, with his wallets now showing a combined balance of just $10,176, a stark contrast to his previous holdings. Wynn's high-leverage trades, particularly on the Hyperliquid platform, gained him notoriety and scrutiny from the crypto community.

In May 2025, Wynn's $100 million in long-BTC positions were liquidated after Bitcoin's price dipped below $105,000. This event wiped out 949 BTC from his account, highlighting the extreme volatility and risk associated with high-leverage trading. Wynn had previously warned about the risks, stating that he did not follow proper risk management and was effectively gambling with his trades.

Despite the significant losses, Wynn attempted to recover by opening another $100 million Bitcoin bet shortly after the liquidation. He claimed that his positions were being deliberately targeted by market makers, an allegation that added to the controversy surrounding his trading activities. Wynn even appealed to the crypto community for donations to fund his account, receiving contributions from at least 24 different addresses.

However, Wynn's efforts to salvage his positions were unsuccessful. He lost well over 99% of the $100 million, drawing criticism from long-term investors who used his experience as an example of the dangers of high-risk, short-term speculation. The deactivation of his X account has sparked discussions about the sustainability of high-leverage trading strategies and the importance of risk management in the crypto market.

Wynn's situation serves as a cautionary tale for traders, highlighting the potential consequences of engaging in high-leverage trading without proper risk management. The crypto community is closely monitoring the situation, as Wynn's experience underscores the need for traders to exercise caution and stay informed about market trends and developments. As the market continues to evolve, traders must remain vigilant and adapt their strategies to navigate the ever-changing landscape.