Overview

• The WSOP concluded its probe into the Millionaire Maker final table by denying championship recognition, withholding the bracelet and splitting the remaining prize pool between Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll.
• Jesse Yaginuma will still receive the $1 million ClubWPT Gold bonus tied to the event despite losing official first-place status.
• Allegations of chip dumping during heads-up play sparked the investigation after viewers flagged James Carroll’s folding patterns that facilitated Yaginuma’s turnaround.
• The Nevada Gaming Control Board led the inquiry under WSOP rules that prohibit prize-splitting deals, exercising regulatory oversight over the Las Vegas series.
• The ruling has intensified calls for clearer guidelines on third-party incentives and discussions of sanctions to safeguard tournament integrity.