James Wynn did not simultaneously open a long position on PEPE while increasing BTC leverage to 40x. Although known for trading PEPE, no primary sources confirm this action during the massive BTC position on Hyperliquid in May 2025.
James Wynn, a pseudonymous crypto trader, increased his leverage to 40x on a massive BTC position in May 2025 on Hyperliquid, amassing $1.27 billion in notional value.
The event underscores the risks of high-leverage trading, reflected in market caution as Wynn’s moves could sway sentiment significantly.
James Wynn increased his leverage to 40x on a massive BTC long position valued at $1.27 billion on Hyperliquid. The trades were conducted in May 2025, and high-stakes strategies have previously been a hallmark of Wynn’s trading style.
James Wynn, who gained notoriety for turning small investments into large sums, undertook his 40x BTC position with reported losses exceeding $100 million. Despite speculation, no confirmed links to concurrent PEPE investments were identified during this venture.
The immediate effects included heightened market scrutiny of BTC’s price. Analyst platforms flagged the event, yet no drastic price swings occurred initially. Crypto Twitter labeled Wynn a pivotal figure, which shifted post-liquidation into a cautionary narrative.
Financial complications included significant unrealized gains followed by extensive losses, illustrating the volatility of such leverage levels. Despite Wynn’s showcase of notable trading success, cautionary tales emerged from his high-risk strategies.
Experts comment that Wynn’s actions echo similar leverage trading pitfalls seen historically. This event highlights the balance between potential gains and unexpected market shifts, with Wynn becoming emblematic of trading’s speculative aspect. Regulations remain unaltered, yet market sentiment suggests a need for more vigilant trading practices.

Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives and Senate met with cryptocurrency industry leaders in three separate roundtable events this week. Members of the US Congress met with key figures in the cryptocurrency industry to discuss issues and potential laws related to the establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve and a market structure.On Tuesday, a group of lawmakers that included Alaska Representative Nick Begich and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno met with Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor and others in a roundtable event regarding the BITCOIN Act, a bill to establish a strategic Bitcoin (BTC) reserve. The discussion was hosted by the advocacy organization Digital Chamber and its affiliates, the Digital Power Network and Bitcoin Treasury Council.“Legislators and the executives at yesterday’s roundtable agree, there is a need [for] a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve law to ensure its longevity for America’s financial future,” Hailey Miller, director of government affairs and public policy at Digital Power Network, told Cointelegraph. “Most attendees are looking for next steps, which may mean including the SBR within the broader policy frameworks already advancing.“Read more

