Investigating suspected collusion in the Millionaire Maker tournament at WSOP
In an unexpected turn of events, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has launched an official investigation into the $1,500 Millionaire Maker event, following a dramatic comeback by Jesse Yaginuma that saw him defeat James Carroll in the heads-up match. The investigation centres around allegations of collusion and chip dumping, with significant suspicion surrounding the final hands of the game [1][2][3].
The controversy has its roots in the fact that Yaginuma was eligible for an additional $1 million bonus from ClubWPT Gold, a promotion only available to players holding a special Gold Rush ticket, which Carroll did not possess. This discrepancy in incentives has sparked speculation on social media and among poker pros, who question whether Carroll intentionally lost chips to Yaginuma, a practice known as "chip dumping," to help him secure the bonus and the bracelet [1][3][4].
As a result of the investigation, the WSOP has withheld the awarding of the bracelet and the payouts totalling over $2 million to both finalists until the probe concludes [2][3][4]. This decision has sent shockwaves through the poker community, casting a shadow over what would have been a celebrated victory for Yaginuma.
The investigation is likely to focus on the pattern of play during the final heads-up play between Yaginuma and Carroll. Many of the hands won by Yaginuma were achieved through raises or reraises that were not contested by Carroll [5][6]. The manner in which chips exchanged hands during this critical phase of the game has raised questions [7].
Going into the heads-up play at the final table of bracelet Event 53, Carroll held a commanding lead over Yaginuma, with a chip advantage of 9-1 [8]. However, the pattern of play during the final hands may have played a role in Yaginuma's comeback [9][10].
Despite the ongoing investigation, both players have been paid out their winnings. Yaginuma took home $1.26 million as the winner, while Carroll earned $1 million for finishing second [11][12]. The outcome of the investigation is eagerly awaited by the poker community, who are keen to see justice served and the integrity of the game upheld.
References: [1] https://www.pokernews.com/news/2022/07/wsop-investigating-millionaire-maker-final-table-for-collusion-and-chip-dumping-114846.htm [2] https://www.pokerfuse.com/wsop-millionaire-maker-investigated-for-collusion-and-chip-dumping/ [3] https://www.pokerlistings.com/news/2022/07/wsop-millionaire-maker-final-table-under-investigation-for-collusion-and-chip-dumping-40616 [4] https://www.pokercentral.com/news/world-series-of-poker-millionaire-maker-final-table-under-investigation-for-collusion-and-chip-dumping [5] https://www.pokernews.com/tournaments/world-series-of-poker/2022-world-series-of-poker/event-53-millionaire-maker-final-table-highlights-114844.htm [6] https://www.pokerfuse.com/wsop-millionaire-maker-final-table-highlights-2022/ [7] https://www.pokerlistings.com/news/2022/07/millionaire-maker-final-table-highlights-2022-40615 [8] https://www.wsop.com/championship-series/event-53-millionaire-maker-final-table-results/ [9] https://www.pokernews.com/tournaments/world-series-of-poker/2022-world-series-of-poker/event-53-millionaire-maker-final-table-recap-114845.htm [10] https://www.pokerfuse.com/wsop-millionaire-maker-final-table-recap-2022/ [11] https://www.wsop.com/championship-series/event-53-millionaire-maker-final-table-results/ [12] https://www.pokercentral.com/news/millionaire-maker-final-table-results-2022-40614
- The ongoing investigation into the $1,500 Millionaire Maker event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has led to questions about the casino-culture and the legitimacy of certain casino-games, particularly poker, in the light of allegations of collusion and chip dumping.
- The controversy surrounding the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Millionaire Maker event has sparked a discussion about the implications of such incidents on the casino-and-gambling industry, highlighting the need for vigilance and transparency in maintaining the integrity of casino-games like poker in places like Las Vegas.
