Emergency Show After Collusion Controversy in 2025 WSOP Millionaire Maker

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