2026 World Series of Poker Crowns Champion • This Week in Gambling

The 2026 World Series of Poker Main Event concluded on Wednesday evening in Las Vegas with Lucas Jumalon securing the prestigious championship title and a top prize of $10,000,000. At 22 years old, the Spokane, Washington native became the second youngest winner in the history of the tournament behind Joe Cada, who won the crown in 2009. Jumalon, a recent Grand Canyon University graduate, outlasted a field of 9,208 entries in the $10,000 buy-in tournament that originally began on July 2.

Throughout the final table, Jumalon maintained the chip lead and dictated the pace of play. His victory marks the fourth consecutive year an American player has captured the flagship event title at the World Series of Poker. The event attracted premier competitors from around the globe, creating a competitive atmosphere that tested both seasoned veterans and rising talents over 11 demanding days of action.

The final heads-up battle featured Jumalon against Lauri Saaskilahti of Finland. Saaskilahti, a 40 year old cash game player who entered the World Series of Poker with $138,000 in prior live tournament earnings, earned $6,000,000 for his second place finish. The runner-up cash payout represented 60% of the champion prize, offering life-changing financial security for the Finnish player. Despite starting the heads-up match at a chip disadvantage, Saaskilahti played aggressively to close the gap. He briefly doubled his stack after calling an all-in shove with ace-ten against Jumalon’s ace-nine, catching a favorable card on the river to extend the match.

However, momentum shifted back decisively to Jumalon during a pivotal hand shortly afterward in this World Series of Poker matchup. On a board of four, ace, king, jack, and six with four spades, Jumalon placed a bet of 180,000,000 into a 100,000,000 pot while holding the queen of spades. Saaskilahti deliberated for several minutes before making a hero call with jack-three. The incorrect call severely diminished his stack, leaving him with only eight big blinds and giving Jumalon an overwhelming 12 to 1 chip lead.

The tournament concluded shortly after when Saaskilahti moved all-in preflop with ace-seven against Jumalon’s king-six. A six appeared on the flop and another arrived on the turn, completing trips for Jumalon and sealing the overall victory. Beyond the top two finishers, Canadian professional Greg Mueller claimed third place for $3,750,000, while American player Michael Gagliano earned $2,750,000 for fourth place.

With this decisive performance, Jumalon joins elite company in poker history. His dominant wire-to-wire run at the final table solidifies his legacy at the World Series of Poker, while fan support from his family, friends, and former college classmates highlighted an unforgettable championship celebration.