Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 WSOP Main Event champion, sat down for a conversation with Lucas Jumalon — the chip leader of the WSOP Main Event 2026 final table.

August 2, 2026
Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 WSOP Main Event champion, sat down for a conversation with Lucas Jumalon — the chip leader of the WSOP Main Event 2026 final table.
, the champion of the 2003 WSOP Main Event, sat down for a conversation with Lucas Jumalon — the chip leader of the 2026 WSOP Main Event final table.

Jumalon is 22 years old and was born after Moneymaker's historic 2003 victory.

This year's winner will take home $10,000,000, but even the minimum payout guarantees every final table participant $1 million in prize money.

🟡Learn to say "no"
"After a win, requests for money come from everywhere. Relatives you never knew existed will show up, along with old school friends with 'brilliant' business ideas. Learn to give them a firm 'no.' If you don't learn to refuse right away, within a couple of years you'll find yourself without a penny to your name."
🟡Avoid shady cash games
"You'll start getting invited into private clubs all over the world, promised incredibly 'juicy' games with wealthy businessmen. My advice to you — stay far away from that. There's no oversight in places like these. In closed private games where millions are in play, there's a very high chance you'll be cheated. Cheating there is business as usual."
🟡Monetize your personal brand
"Over the last 20 years I haven't invested my own money in tournaments — I've always played on sponsorship contracts. If you win this tournament, the same opportunities will open up for you. Invest your winnings wisely."
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