World Series of Poker controversy as 'chip dumping' investigation launched as player wins £1.6m

The poker world is in up in arms after a tournament finale that saw more than £1.6million in winnings distributed to the champion was marred by accusations of chip dumping. Jesse Yaginuma triumphed over James Carroll at the final table of the World Series of Poker's $1,500 Millionaire Maker on Wednesday, sparking a whirlwind of controversy.

At one stage, Yaginuma had less than 10% of the total chips in play before staging a daring comeback to clinch victory. Consequently, he pocketed the main prize of just over £915,000, along with an extra £730,000 thanks to a ClubWPT Gold promotion.

Among the two heads-up players, only Yaginuma was eligible for the ClubWPT Gold promotion, having secured a Gold Rush ticket from the sweeps coin poker site. That entitled him to the bonus if he won one of the qualifying events at the WSOP.

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While it's typically a cause for celebration when any player secures a WSOP bracelet, this wasn't necessarily the case this time around. That's after legions of online users noticed some questionable hands in the heads-up match that raised eyebrows.

Chip dumping in poker happens when a player deliberately loses hands to favour their opponent. This is done to effectively transfer funds to one's adversary, either through intentional folding or irrational betting.

Carroll, who pocketed a runner-up prize of around £750,000, was accused of making several nonsensical moves as the finale reached its peak. His behaviour was described as particularly out of character given he had built up such a substantial lead not long before.

One of the most scrutinised hands saw Yaginuma take the lead for the first time after winning a pot with 174m chips at stake. With the blinds set at 1.5m and 3m, Yaginuma called the big blind pre-flop with a Jack (clubs) and an eight (spades), prompting Carroll to raise to 13m with a six (clubs) and a three (diamonds), which his opponent called.

The flop produced a 10 (clubs), five (clubs) and Jack (spades), leading Carroll to bet another 17m, which was called again. Both players checked when a seven of clubs came out on the turn, then raised the stakes once more when Yaginuma called Carroll's 57m bet after the river produced a Queen (spades).

There were also several instances where Carroll folded to some significant pre-flop bets courtesy of Yuginama. Again, poker enthusiasts were quick to highlight some concerns over the integrity of their play.

PokerNews said it reached out to a representative from ClubWPT Gold, who responded that the company was "looking into the matter." However, they were unable to comment anything further.

"Hope you guys don't honour it," said one enraged fan on X. "It was clear chip dumping and such a f-----g horrible look for poker and the community. Absolutely disgusting."

"Did they forget this was live streamed? Just absolutely disgusting and bizarre chip dumping," echoed another critic. Meanwhile, a third poker enthusiast wrote: "Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll should be disqualified with no prize money and permanently banned from the @WSOP and @WorldPokerTour. The bracelet should go to 3rd place Josh Reichard."

This scandal has erupted almost exactly one year after Jonathan Tamayo faced backlash over his simulator use during a WSOP Main Event. He won £7.7m in July 2024, but critics quickly scrutinised Tamayo after he appeared to be consulting a simulator mid-game at the final table.

Tamayo had just celebrated a major hand victory against runner-up Jordan Griff before turning to consult his coaches and friends, where a laptop featuring a running simulator was allegedly spotted. Both professional and amateur poker players decried the move, arguing Tamayo should have been penalised at the time.