WSOP’s Controversial Chip Dumping Decision; Shiina Okamoto Makes Poker History

PokerNews Podcast

In the 904th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Kyna England, and Mike Holtz are joined by Grosvenor Poker Pro Jamie Nixon at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas to talk about the latest from the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP). That includes the WSOP's controversial decision regarding the alleged Millionaire Maker chip dumping between Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll, which may or may not include lifetime bans. It's a lively debate that examines the situation from multiple angles, including the likely involvement of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

They then take a look at a controversial hand posted by Lexy Gavin-Mather where a dealer error that may have brought a much-needed seven out of the muck had the poker world talking. From there, the trio highlight the historic win by Shiina Okamoto, who successfully defended her Ladies Event title after finishing runner-up three years ago. She also had to put up with Phil Hellmuth Jr., for better or worse, as the crew debated. That wasn't the only historic win, as Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi won the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship for an unbelievable fourth time. Toss in the first gold bracelet won by Darren Elias, and there were some big winners to be celebrated.

Jamie Nixon then talks about Grosvenor Poker and the upcoming Goliath in Coventry, how his buddy is running a daily bracket of funny poker names, and then Chad explains why there's a giant cutout of Espen Jorstad's head on the set (Hint: it came from the recent GTOWizard party).

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 00:18 | Grosvenor Poker’s Jamie Nixon joins the show 00:56 | WSOP decision causes controversy 01:15 | Rumors of a lifetime ban 02:32 | What do you think of no bracelet being awarded? 05:26 | Did Nevada Gaming Commission get involved? 08:35 | People have been banned for far less 19:56 | Lexy Gavin-Mather’s controversial hand 20:18 | Video of the controversial hand – was the 7 in the muck? 28:38 | Shiina Okamoto defends Ladies Event title 30:46 | Phil Hellmuth makes an appearance 33:48 | Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi wins $50K PPC for fourth time 39:30 | Interview with Michael Mizrach 41:15 | Sponsor: WSOP Free-to-Play App 41:45 | Darren Elias claims first gold bracelet 43:21 | Grosvenor Poker & upcoming Goliath 51:40 | Bracket of wild & funny poker names 53:40 | Espen Jorstad & GTO Wizard