WSOP Probes Millionaire Maker Final for Possible Collusion

• Suspicious hands prompt WSOP review of final match
• First and second payouts withheld pending official investigation
• Alleged chip dumping could violate WSOP Rule 40b

World Series of Poker officials said Thursday they’re investigating a possible case of collusion in the heads-up final of the “Millionaire Maker” event. Organizers added they had withheld the first and second-place payouts for the event following Jesse Yaginuma’s victory on Wednesday night.

Officials are specifically believed to be looking at whether Yaginuma’s heads-up opponent, James Carroll, “threw” the match, allowing Yaginuma to win as part of a behind-the-scenes deal.

Poker players often make deals to “chop” the prize pool before playing heads up. This is a legitimate part of the game — a way of reducing variance and locking in fair payouts, especially when the money jump between first and second place is significant. But many observers believe something much fishier was going on Wednesday night.

$1M Bonus

Yaginuma stood to earn a $1 million bonus on top of the $1,255,180 first-place prize for winning this tournament thanks to a ClubWPT Gold ticket he had won online. ClubWPT Gold is a World Poker Tour promotion that awards a $1 million bonus to ticket holders who go on to win one of 11 designated events, including the Millionaire Maker.

Thus, a Yaginuma victory would boost the heads-up prize pool from $2.3 million to $3.3 million. The problem was, going into heads-up play, Carroll held 90% of the chips, making him an overwhelming favorite.

Chip dumping is a form of cheating in poker where one player intentionally loses chips to another, usually by making obviously bad plays or folding strong hands.

Observers noted several plays by Carroll that they found unusual or uncharacteristically passive. He folded repeatedly to preflop raises where calling would have been optimal. In another spot, he jammed all-in with pocket aces preflop – a move some believe may have discouraged action. He also three-bet with 8-3 offsuit, a notoriously weak hand, before folding to a four-bet.

Carroll, a seasoned pro with two WPT titles and two WSOP Circuit rings, is widely regarded as a highly competent tournament player.

Though Shall Not Chip Dump

According to WSOP Rule 40b, collusion includes acts like chip dumping, soft play, or any coordinated behavior intended to manipulate tournament outcomes. At present, no formal accusations have been made, and there is no definitive evidence that either player acted improperly.

Still, the optics have raised eyebrows. On Thursday, WSOP social media accounts appeared to remove references to Yaginuma’s win, fueling further speculation.