What would you do if you suddenly came into a life-changing sum of money? Many of us might picture ourselves making extravagant purchases—luxury cars, massive homes, or booking that dream vacation. But for Jonathan Tamayo, the 2024 World Series of Poker Main Event champion, his first splurge might surprise you.
When Tamayo pocketed $10 million after his stunning win, it was the moment that most poker players could only dream of. Yet, instead of going on a wild shopping spree, he made a rather unexpected purchase: a 10-pound box of Jelly Bellies. And, not just any Jelly Bellies—lemon ones. “So, there’s diabetes for you,” Tamayo joked, adding a sense of down-to-earth humour that’s becoming his trademark.
The First Buy: 10 Pounds of Jelly Beans
The fact that the poker world champion’s initial indulgence was something so simple and sweet says a lot about his grounded nature. It cost him less than $100 but surely provided a lot of joy. “The first thing I bought was a 10-pound box of Jelly Bellies. All lemon,” Tamayo confessed in a candid chat with PokerNews at the World Poker Tour World Championships.
It’s easy to imagine how someone in Tamayo’s position might feel tempted to splurge on the luxurious items often associated with sudden wealth. But instead, he embraced a humble treat—a nostalgic indulgence that almost anyone can relate to.
For Tamayo, it wasn’t about the expensive cars or shiny new gadgets. He was content with small joys that didn’t need a hefty price tag. He even added that while his Honda may not scream wealth, it gets the job done just fine. “I have a car that runs. It’s a 2019 Honda, and it runs fine,” he shared with a modest shrug.
A New Set of Golf Clubs and Staying Humble
When it came to bigger purchases, Tamayo did, however, upgrade his golf gear. For someone who enjoys golf, a new set of clubs might seem like the perfect way to reward yourself. Tamayo chose to invest around $4,000 into a new set, a decision that made sense considering his growing success and commitment to the sport.
“I was already going to replace my driver and my bag with my golf clubs,” Tamayo said. “At that point, I said let’s just do the whole set because some of the clubs, the irons, I tend not to change out that often. You don’t need to. They’re seven years old, and my swing has changed.” For someone who has spent years honing his skills at the game, upgrading his golf kit felt like a natural step.
And when you hear Tamayo talk about his spending habits, it’s clear that he’s not interested in flashy displays of wealth. “I don’t need a new car. I tell people, I might be rich now, but I’m not ‘four Ferraris’ rich,” he added.
It’s a humble attitude that many could learn from. Rather than being swept up in the glitz and glamour, Tamayo has remained grounded, treating himself to items that bring personal joy but aren’t about showing off.
Life After the Main Event: Adjusting to the Spotlight
Winning the prestigious Main Event title can be a life-altering experience. For Tamayo, it has meant adjusting to the new reality of fame and success. But instead of abandoning his normal life, he stayed close to his roots.
“I went back to refereeing high school football in Texas,” Tamayo said, emphasizing that the camaraderie and sense of purpose he found there were crucial to maintaining balance in his life. “You can’t leave your crew high and dry with that. I stayed the season, and I’m still going to do it because I need something else to do because I have a lot more time on my hands.”
While most people would leave such a job behind, Tamayo’s commitment to his community and his passions outside of poker reflect a mindset that values consistency and connection over fleeting fame.
For someone who has now reached the pinnacle of poker, it’s not all glitz and glamour. “The hours of cash that I was playing, mid-stakes cash, just isn’t a thing anymore,” Tamayo explained. “I don’t need to do it.”
This mindset shift brings with it a new approach to studying and preparing for future poker events. The desire to stay competitive is still there, but it’s no longer about grinding endless hours at the poker table. Tamayo now focuses on refining his skills and adjusting his strategy for the new stage of his career.
The New Reality of Fame: From Quiet Player to Public Figure
Tamayo’s newfound fame has led to an interesting shift in his social life. As someone who was once a quiet and reserved presence at the table, the sudden media attention can be overwhelming. “Winning the main; it’s not a realistic goal for anybody. But now I’m there,” Tamayo admitted. “So the attention is an adjustment because usually, I’m the quiet one at the table. So, like, nobody even knew I existed half the time.”
Although he’s now a household name in poker, Tamayo keeps a sense of humility. “We’re not going to clubs and strip clubs and stuff like that,” he laughed. “But one of my friends told me it’s kind of cool to know you right now, which is a weird thing to say.”
The attention that comes with being a world champion is certainly a big shift for someone who’s used to staying under the radar. But it’s also a reminder of how quickly life can change, and how one moment of success can alter the trajectory of an entire career.
