In a stunning decision that's shaking the felt, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has confirmed that no gold bracelet will be awarded in this year's $1,500 Millionaire Maker event. Despite both players walking away with seven-figure payouts, Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll, two seasoned pros with over $9 million in combined live earnings, won't be celebrating a bracelet win after being caught in the crosshairs of a chip-dumping controversy.
The Hand in Question
The drama unfolded during heads-up play, where Yaginuma faced a towering 9-to-1 chip disadvantage. Yet, he staged a comeback that raised eyebrows across the poker community. As the winner, Yaginuma stood to collect $1,255,180 plus a hefty $1 million bonus from ClubWPT Gold - a bonus uniquely his to claim. Carroll, the runner-up, was slated to receive $1,012,320.
But questions quickly arose from the rail. Poker players and fans alike took to social media, alleging suspicious hands that hinted at potential collusion. The prevailing theory? Carroll may have soft-played or outright dumped chips to help Yaginuma secure the bracelet and his ClubWPT windfall.
WSOP Verdict: No Bracelet, No Winner
With concerns mounting, the WSOP hit pause on the payouts and the bracelet ceremony. After a formal investigation, they revealed their verdict on social media.
"The investigation into WSOP Event 53 has been completed.
We have concluded that in order to uphold the integrity of the game and to uphold our official WSOP Tournament Rules, no winner will be recognized and no bracelet will be awarded for this year's tournament. The remaining prize pool will be split between the final two players," the WSOP tweeted.
That means neither Yaginuma nor Carroll will be added to the WSOP's official list of bracelet winners, despite splitting the full prize pool.
The Aftermath
For Yaginuma, this result stings on multiple levels. A win would've marked his fourth bracelet and first in a live event, putting him on an elite streak of four bracelets in four years. Still, he won't walk away empty-handed. PokerNews confirmed that he'll receive the exclusive $1 million bonus from ClubWPT Gold - a prize only he was eligible for.
Notably, he becomes the second ClubWPT qualifier this summer to score the seven-figure jackpot. Michael Lavin did it first in WSOP Event #20, where he parlayed his ClubWPT entry into a $267,373 victory and the $1 million bonus.
As for what, if any, deal was made behind closed doors between Yaginuma and Carroll? The cards on that remain face-down.
Source: https://www.pokernews.com/tours/wsop/2025-wsop/news/wsop-hands-out-punishment-47978.htm
