Emergency Show After Collusion Controversy in 2025 WSOP Millionaire Maker

PokerNews Podcast

In the 902nd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz do an emergency show to discuss the industry-shaking collusion controversy that stemmed from the heads-up match between Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll in the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Millionaire Maker. Not only were seven-figure prizes up for grabs, but there was also a $1,000,000 bonus if Yaginuma were to win thanks to an outside promotion.

That fact made a big impact on what allegedly went down. Find out what happened, what fans and players are saying, and whether or not ClubWPT Gold will award the $1,000,000 bonus. Also, the WSOP did issue a statement and has yet to finalize the results of the tournament. What might happen next is anyone's guess, but Chad and Mike discuss some potential scenarios.

A new PokerNews Podcast will drop twice a week during the 2025 WSOP every Thursday and Sunday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps *Time | Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 00:20 | Collusion controversy in 2025 WSOP Millionaire Maker 00:40 | Mike’s take on the situation 02:22 | Polarizing reactions 03:56 | Backroom deals happen all the time 05:15 | Reviewing every single heads-up hand 06:22 | WSOP releases statement 08:42 | Controversial PLO hand 10:10 | ClubWPT Gold is a disruptor 13:20 | What could happen next? 16:00 | Protecting the allure of the bracelet 19:04 | Examples of bracelets being bought 23:16 | Should the WSOP allow deal-making? 28:14 | ClubWPT Gold to award $1,000,000 31:50 | Need to protect against cheating 32:52 | Be patient with the WSOP