Daniel Negreanu predicted that Lucas Jumalon would be a World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion who wanted to do more than simply collect his $10 million prize and disappear from the poker scene. Just a month later, the 22-year-old is taking his first major step into poker ambassadorship.
The reigning World Champion has been named a global ambassador for the new WSOP Academy app, a platform designed to introduce poker to a new generation of players. But Jumalon won’t just be lending his name to the project. He’s heading out on a worldwide tour to find and mentor a potential future poker star.
The announcement follows comments made by Negreanu on the PokerNews Podcast in September, where the Poker Hall of Famer praised Jumalon’s maturity, attitude toward the game, and desire to embrace the responsibilities that come with being World Champion.
“Probably, of the Main Event champs … this guy really seems like one who wants the role, and he wants to do big things. And I think he’ll be around for quite a while,” Negreanu said.
Jumalon Goes Looking for Poker’s Next Big Star
Jumalon, who won the 2026 WSOP Main Event in August to become the second-youngest champion in the tournament’s history, will travel to WSOP Circuit stops around the world as part of his new role.
At each destination, the Spokane, Washington native will host a special meet-up game exclusively for WSOP Academy users, with one player from each game receiving a free seat into that stop’s WSOP Circuit Main Event.
And there’s an even bigger prize waiting at the end of the tour as Jumalon will select one standout player from the meet-up game winners to become his personal protégé. That player will receive a seat in the $10,000 WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas in 2027, with Jumalon providing mentorship as they prepare to take on poker’s biggest tournament.
“Not long ago, I was the kid dreaming about winning the World Series of Poker Main Event. Now I have the opportunity to help someone else chase that same dream,” Jumalon said.
“Poker has completely changed my life, and I’m excited to travel the world, meet the next generation of players, and hopefully discover someone who will be sitting at the final table someday.”
The search begins on November 13 at Dusk Till Dawn Casino in Nottingham, England, with further tour stops to be announced.
A WSOP production crew will also follow Jumalon throughout his travels, documenting the action at the tables and his experiences away from them. The resulting series will be released on the official WSOP YouTube channel, with the first episode expected in late November.
Calum Grant
Senior Editor & Live Events Executive