button in SafariWhy WSOP Main Event Champ Turned Down Huge Cash Game With Negreanu
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Lucas Jumalon has already had a taste of high-stakes poker since becoming world champion, but one invitation to play alongside Daniel Negreanu proved a little too rich for his liking.
The 22-year-old, who won $10 million in this summer's World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, revealed on episode #1016 of the PokerNews Podcast that he'd been approached about appearing in a huge Hustler Casino Live cash game featuring the Poker Hall of Famer.
"I actually got an offer to play the one with Negreanu," Jumalon revealed. "That game was just ridiculously big".
And while a $10 million payday might suggest he has the bankroll to compete in almost any game, Jumalon isn't particularly interested in throwing himself into poker's highest stakes just yet. He's happy to pick his spots, although a potential $250,000 buy-in in 2027 suggests that attitude might not last forever.
Jumalon Happy to Pick His Spots at Higher Stakes
Jumalon hasn't avoided the livestream cash game scene entirely. He has already appeared on a broadcast from The Lodge Card Club.
"I did play the Lodge livestream. That was like $50/$100/$200. It was a good game, but I'm not a huge cash player, so I'll be selective. It'll have to make sense and be the right game."
His approach to high-stakes tournaments is much the same. Despite having the financial freedom to enter six-figure buy-in events, Jumalon doesn't feel the need to immediately start battling against the game's most established players.
"I'm not in a big ego war with people," Jumalon explained. "I don't feel like I need to prove myself. I'm coming to win, obviously. I'm a huge competitor. I just don't have the ego of feeling like I need to go fire the 100Ks."
For now, the reigning world champion is more interested in playing tournaments at stakes he's comfortable with, alongside his growing commitments as WSOP Academy ambassador.
The role will see Jumalon travel to WSOP Circuit stops around the world, beginning at Dusk Till Dawn Casino in Nottingham on November 13, where he'll interact with players and help introduce new faces to the game.
He believes spending time at circuit events could do more for poker than simply competing in high-roller tournaments.
"If somebody comes and fires a $400 ring event, and they only play in home games, and they get to say they played with me... That's a cool experience. It makes them want to come back. I think it's really important."
Could a $250K Tournament Be on the Cards?
Although Jumalon has no immediate plans to become a regular in six-figure buy-in events, he hasn't completely ruled out taking a shot at one.
The world champion is preparing to head to The Bahamas for WSOP Paradise in December, where he intends to compete in the $26,000 Super Main Event among over five-figure buy-in tournaments.
But it's a potential appearance at next year's festival that could see him make his biggest tournament investment yet.
Jumalon revealed that all nine players from the 2026 WSOP Main Event final table remain in contact through a group chat. After seeing runner-up Lauri Saaskilahti declare his intention to play in the $250,000 event at WSOP Paradise this year, he floated the idea of the pair entering the tournament together in 2027.
"I texted Lauri the other day when I saw that he's playing the 250K this year in the Bahamas," Jumalon said. "I said, 'Lauri, I think you and me need to play this invitational together next year,' and he was like, 'Yeah, I think we do.'"
For now, the reigning world champion seems happy to pick his spots at the tables while throwing himself into his new ambassadorial role and helping grow the game that has already given him so much.
