WSOP Investigates Controversial Millionaire Maker Final: Prize Money and Bracelet Withheld Amid Allegations

The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is embroiled in controversy following the conclusion of the $1,500 buy-in Millionaire Maker tournament. The event, which attracted a massive field of 11,996 entries, concluded with Jesse Yaginuma defeating James Carroll in a heads-up match. However, the WSOP has since launched an investigation into suspected collusion and chip dumping during the tournament’s final stages. As a result, the prize money and bracelet for the top two finishers have been withheld pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The Controversial Heads-Up Battle

Jesse Yaginuma secured his fourth WSOP bracelet by overcoming James Carroll in a heads-up match that raised eyebrows among the poker community. Observers noted that Yaginuma, starting the heads-up with a significant chip deficit, managed to make a remarkable comeback through a series of hands that some found suspicious. Online analysts have scrutinized these hands, suggesting potential irregularities in the play.

In response to inquiries about a possible deal between the two finalists, Yaginuma denied any such agreement, stating, “No, not really. We talked for a little bit about poker, but yeah, that was about it.”

WSOP’s Response and Ongoing Investigation

The WSOP issued a statement on its official social media channels, confirming awareness of a potential breach of tournament rules during heads-up play in Event 53. The organization emphasized that an investigation is underway and that neither the first-place prize money nor the bracelet have been officially awarded. 

This move has sparked a debate within the poker community. Prominent players have expressed strong opinions on the matter. Matt Berkey, a member of the PokerOrg Player Advisory Board, criticized the WSOP’s decision, labeling it a “spiteful attempt at saving face” following the controversy surrounding the WPT’s freeroll promotion. Similarly, Ari Engel and Eric Baldwin voiced their concerns, urging the WSOP to honor its commitments and pay the players their due prize money.

The Role of ClubWPT Gold Rush Promotion

Adding complexity to the situation is the involvement of ClubWPT’s Gold Rush promotion. Yaginuma’s victory not only earned him the WSOP bracelet but also a $1 million bonus from ClubWPT Gold, as he was holding one of its promotional Gold Rush passes. This promotion has been running throughout the summer, with another winner, Michael Lavin, already receiving his payout earlier in the series

The Gold Rush promotion’s rules state that any participant acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with the intent to undermine the legitimate operation of the promotion, may be disqualified. This provision has raised questions about the implications of the ongoing investigation and its potential impact on Yaginuma’s bonus.

Industry Reactions and Precedents

The WSOP’s decision to withhold the bracelet and prize money has drawn comparisons to previous incidents in the poker world. Historically, poker tournaments have faced challenges in handling allegations of collusion and chip dumping. While some events have successfully navigated such controversies, others have struggled to maintain player trust and uphold the integrity of the game. 

The current situation underscores the importance of clear and enforceable tournament rules, as well as the need for transparency in the investigative process. As the WSOP continues its inquiry, the outcome will likely set a significant precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is chip dumping in poker?

Chip dumping refers to the act of intentionally losing chips to another player, often to help that player advance further in the tournament.

2. Has Jesse Yaginuma been disqualified from the tournament?

As of now, Jesse Yaginuma has not been disqualified. The WSOP has merely withheld the prize money and bracelet pending the outcome of the investigation.

3. What is the Gold Rush promotion by ClubWPT?

The Gold Rush promotion offers a $1 million bonus to players who hold a Gold Rush pass and win certain qualifying WSOP tournaments.

4. How does the WSOP handle allegations of collusion?

The WSOP thoroughly investigates allegations of collusion, reviewing hand histories and other relevant data to determine if any rules were violated.

5. Will the investigation affect future ClubWPT promotions?

The outcome of the current investigation may influence the structuring and rules of future ClubWPT promotions, depending on the findings

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IMAGE SOURCE: POKERORG