♠PokerInsider
Poker news first in our Telegram channelSubscribe →
Controversial Call Costs Player $10M in WSOP Main Event
TournamentsAugust 8, 2026·1 min read

Controversial Call Costs Player $10M in WSOP Main Event


In the 2026 World Series of Poker main event, Lauri Saaskilahti made two huge overbet calls that ultimately handed Lucas Jumalon $10 million and the WSOP main event title. The first time Saaskilahti called, he was ahead in the hand. The second time, he was not.

Saaskilahti called Jumalon's overbet of 40,000,000 into a pot of 20,000,000 with J♦3♦ against Jumalon's Q♠5♦. The river card, 6♠, gave Jumalon the nut flush, and Saaskilahti called Jumalon's bet of 180,000,000. Phil Galfond commented that people who can't fathom the J3 call don't have the hero call gene and have no idea how alluring it is.

Jonathan Little called it 'the biggest punt in poker history' and Doug Polk called it 'the worst WSOP play of all time'.

Share this article

Argus Riven

By

Argus Riven

I've spent years at the tables — cash and tournaments — and just as long shaping poker copy behind the scenes: room reviews, bonus fine print, tournament notes. At PokerInsider I write the way I wish more sites would: clear structure, honest trade-offs, no hype. Whether you're new or already grinding, I care about what the offer actually costs you — rake, variance, and the fine print — and I treat responsible play as part of the job, not a footnote.

♠More in Tournaments

Quan Zhou Wins Triton ONE Cyprus Mystery Bounty Event

Quan Zhou Wins Triton ONE Cyprus Mystery Bounty Event

1 min read
Christopher Marcadet Triumphs at PokerStars Open Aix-en-Provence

Christopher Marcadet Triumphs at PokerStars Open Aix-en-Provence

1 min read
Alin Ivan Wins Triton ONE Title in North Cyprus with Heroic Call

Alin Ivan Wins Triton ONE Title in North Cyprus with Heroic Call

2 min read
←All Articles♠ PokerInsider