WSOP Scraps Millionaire Maker Result and Splits Prize Between Final Two

As reported on last week, one of the World Series of Poker’s most high-profile tournaments ended in controversy as organizers threw out the final result due to a collusion finding.

Good to know

• WSOP voided the outcome of the $1,500 Millionaire Maker event.
• Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll accused of violating rules.
• Both players will split the top two payouts equally.

Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll were the last two standing at the Horseshoe Las Vegas in the Millionaire Maker, with over $1.25 million and a bracelet on the line. But things took a turn when viewers questioned Carroll’s odd decisions during heads-up play.

Carroll had a solid chip lead but failed to convert it, which many felt was suspicious. Yaginuma made a huge comeback from a 9-to-1 deficit to win the match, sparking accusations of “chip dumping,” a clear violation of WSOP rules.

Observers noted that Carroll’s play lacked competitiveness, prompting the WSOP to launch an internal investigation.

Promotion Raises Questions About Motive

Adding fuel to the fire was a promotion from ClubWPT Gold, which offered Yaginuma a $1 million bonus if he won the tournament. Carroll, not being part of that promo, had no stake in that extra reward.

Speculation quickly grew that the incentive might have influenced how the match played out. Even though the WSOP did not directly reference this as the motive, the community was already connecting the dots.

WSOP Nullifies Result, Prize Split Announced

In the end, the WSOP announced there would be no official champion. Instead, both Yaginuma and Carroll will receive an equal share of the first and second place prize money.

The WSOP stated it was committed to preserving the integrity of its tournaments and enforcing its rules fairly.

Despite the controversy, ClubWPT confirmed it would still pay Yaginuma the $1 million promotional prize, even though the tournament result is no longer official.

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