Lucas Jumalon is going on a worldwide search for poker's next big star — and the player he chooses will get the chance to compete in the 2027 WSOP Main Event under his mentorship.
After winning the World Series of Poker Main Event in August, the 22-year-old made it clear to the poker community that he wants to help grow the game.
Now, as a new global ambassador for the WSOP Academy app, Jumalon will embark on a year-long journey visiting WSOP Circuit events around the world in search of a poker protégé to mentor.
"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 says.
"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."
Mentored by the reigning champ
At each WSOP Circuit stop that Jumalon visits, he'll host a special meet-up game open exclusively to WSOP Academy students, with one player from each game winning a seat to that stop's Main Event.
When the year-long tour comes to a close, he'll choose one exceptional player from the pool of meet-up game winners.
Jumalon's selected protégé will then travel to Las Vegas for the 2027 WSOP Main Event to compete on poker's biggest stage under the mentorship of the reigning champion.
A WSOP production team will follow Jumalon on his search, documenting the journey both on and off the felt. The content will air exclusively on the WSOP YouTube channel, with the first installment expected in late November.
