The recent World Series of Poker (WSOP) “Millionaire Maker” event has sparked controversy after suspicions of collusion arose during the heads-up play between Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll. Yaginuma emerged victorious, overcoming a significant chip deficit, but immediately faced allegations on social media that Carroll deliberately lost, possibly to help Yaginuma secure a $1 million bonus from Club WPT Gold. Poker commentators were skeptical during the event’s live stream, noting unusual plays that suggested possible collusion.
The WSOP has since launched an investigation and withheld confirmation of the final results and prize distribution. They also removed mentions of Yaginuma’s win from their social media platforms. The allegations focus on specific hands where Carroll’s play was uncharacteristically passive, leading to surprising folds and calls that raised eyebrows among viewers and commentators.
Yaginuma denied any wrongdoing, asserting that no deal was made between him and Carroll. The WSOP’s rules strictly prohibit collusion, which includes actions like chip-dumping and soft play, and any breach could result in severe penalties.
As the investigation unfolds, the poker community remains divided, with some defending the players’ actions and others calling for a thorough review. The controversy highlights the complexities of maintaining integrity in high-stakes poker tournaments.
