Episode Details

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