Lucas Jumalon Crowned Champion of the WSOP Main Event
The 22-year-old won $10 million, becoming the youngest champion since Joe Cada.
Lucas Jumalon, from Spokane, became the new world poker champion after winning the Main Event of the WSOP 2026. With just $180,888 in previous winnings, he surprised the poker world, becoming the second youngest player to achieve this, behind Joe Cada, and the first from Washington to do so. Jumalon started with the chip lead at the final table, a feat not seen since Koray Aldemir in 2021.
The Path to Victory
Jumalon faced Lauri Saaskilahti from Finland in the decisive phase. Although Saaskilahti posed serious competition, Jumalon's true challenge was internal. "People underestimate what I really went through," the champion commented regarding the difficulties faced during the 11 days of intense play.
During the seventh day, he almost succumbed to the pressure, but thanks to the support of family and friends, he returned with determination, displaying momentum that led him to chip lead the next day. "I ran lucky, but I also played exceptionally," Jumalon stated.
The Thrilling Final Hand
On the final day, Saaskilahti returned to the game close to the top. The two exchanged some hands before Jumalon was able to extend his lead. In a decisive hand, Jumalon outplayed Saaskilahti, inching closer to the grand prize.
The tension remained with a key hand where Saaskilahti, after a bad bet, was left with less than ten big blinds. Shortly after, Jumalon sealed his victory when his superior hand prevailed.
Final Table Results
The event showcased spectacular performances and was closely followed by fans:
- Lucas Jumalon: $10,000,000
- Lauri Saaskilahti: $6,000,000
- Greg Mueller: $3,750,000
- Michael Gagliano: $2,750,000
- Han Feng: $2,250,000
- Rami Hammoud: $1,750,000
- Jamie Shaevel: $1,500,000
- Mario Boos: $1,250,000
- Evagoras Evagorou: $1,000,000
Jumalon is now the face of world poker. "I truly believe I am made for this, to be an ambassador for the sport," he declared. This young champion not only celebrates his present success but also looks optimistically towards his future in the world of poker.
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Sofía Carrasco
Poker Correspondent
Sofía Carrasco covers live and online poker — tournament series from the WSOP and EPT to the daily room grind, promotions, and the industry moves behind them. The reports keep every score, pot, and player name exactly as the record shows, and follow the story past the final hand: who qualified, what the structure rewarded, and how the field is shifting. For player moves, software, and regulation across the poker economy, Sofía Carrasco is the first read.
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