Jesse Yaginuma to Receive $1M ClubWPT Bonus Despite WSOP Chip Dumping Probe

The Las Vegas Strip has seen its fair share of drama, but the final act of the 2025 WSOP Millionaire Maker was straight out of a Hollywood thriller. On June 27, Jesse Yaginuma pulled off a stunning 9-to-1 chip deficit comeback against James Carroll to win one of the most coveted bracelets at the World Series of Poker. But this wasn’t just a tale of resilience and glory—it came wrapped in controversy, whispers of collusion, and the promise of a cool $1 million bonus from ClubWPT Gold.

Now, even as the WSOP investigates the legitimacy of the final moments of the event, PokerNews has confirmed: Yaginuma will receive his ClubWPT Gold bonus. The $1,255,180 tournament cash and bracelet may be under scrutiny—but the extra million? It’s his, no matter what.

A Championship Win Under the Microscope

The Millionaire Maker is one of the most anticipated events every summer at the WSOP, and this year’s edition was no different. With a $1,500 buy-in and thousands of hopefuls chasing seven-figure dreams, the final showdown came down to two skilled veterans—Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll.

What happened next stunned poker fans and lit up social media. Despite being down to a 9:1 chip disadvantage, Yaginuma mounted a comeback that ended with him clinching the bracelet and, more importantly for some, triggering a massive $1 million ClubWPT Gold bonus.

But as the celebrations began, so did the speculation.

What is ClubWPT Gold?

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes-based poker site operated by the World Poker Tour (WPT), offering cash prizes and promotions to subscribers. In a special 2025 promotion, ClubWPT promised a $1 million bonus to any member who qualified through the platform and went on to win a WSOP bracelet.

The first winner of that prize was Michael Lavin, who secured victory in Event #20 earlier this summer. Jesse Yaginuma became the second such winner. However, his win has been marred by a cloud of controversy surrounding allegations of chip dumping and potential collusion in the final heads-up match.

Accusations of Chip Dumping

Shortly after the final hand played out, poker forums and social media exploded with accusations. Many viewers claimed the gameplay between Yaginuma and Carroll appeared “off,” suggesting Carroll may have intentionally ceded chips to help Yaginuma win—not for the bracelet, but so his opponent could claim the extra $1 million from ClubWPT Gold.

Such allegations are serious, especially during an event of this magnitude. The WSOP has since confirmed an investigation is underway, and until it concludes, the $1,255,180 first-place payout and the official bracelet remain in limbo.

For now, Yaginuma has a championship, but no bracelet ceremony, no deposit, and no official victory celebration at the WSOP grounds.

ClubWPT Gold Stands Firm

Despite the ongoing investigation, ClubWPT Gold has taken a bold and clear stance. Ambassador Doug Polk, a prominent voice in the poker community, confirmed that ClubWPT will honor the bonus payout to Jesse Yaginuma regardless of the WSOP’s final ruling.

This decision underlines that the bonus was based on a specific achievement—winning a bracelet as a ClubWPT Gold member—not necessarily the WSOP’s verification process. The ceremony to award Yaginuma the $1 million will go ahead Friday evening at Ole Red, a lively bar on the Las Vegas Strip just steps from the WSOP action.

What Happens to the WSOP Payout?

This is the million-dollar question—quite literally.

Until the investigation concludes, both Yaginuma’s $1,255,180 and Carroll’s $1,012,320 payouts are on hold. Depending on the WSOP’s findings, there could be implications ranging from forfeiture of winnings to player disqualifications.

WSOP has yet to offer an official timeline for the investigation, but history tells us these reviews can take days or even weeks. With integrity at the heart of professional poker, the tournament organizers are likely to be thorough before delivering a final judgment.

The Poker Community Reacts

Reactions within the poker world have been mixed. Some applaud Yaginuma for his win and believe the controversy is overblown. Others are demanding transparency and full hand history reviews, citing integrity concerns and the precedent it could set for future ClubWPT promotions.

“There’s too much money and too much at stake for these promos to go unchecked,” one pro tweeted. “It’s great marketing, but it must come with accountability.”

Doug Polk, while confirming the bonus, also hinted at the need for stronger regulations moving forward if similar partnerships and prize promotions continue between poker sites and live tournament series.

A Turning Point for Poker Promotions?

This incident may become a watershed moment for how third-party promotions interact with regulated tournaments like the WSOP. As poker evolves into a new era of hybrid branding, affiliate deals, and cross-platform incentives, the line between marketing and manipulation grows thinner.

The situation with Yaginuma and ClubWPT Gold highlights both the power and potential pitfalls of promotional partnerships. When millions of dollars are added to prize pools through external contests, the risk of conflicting interests and ethical gray zones increases.

Expect tighter controls, clearer rules, and perhaps even regulatory intervention in the coming years to ensure the sanctity of the game is protected.

Final Thoughts

Jesse Yaginuma may not yet know if he’ll be recognized as the official 2025 WSOP Millionaire Maker champion, but he will walk away with $1 million in bonus cash courtesy of ClubWPT Gold. That much is certain.

As for the larger implications? The poker world is watching closely.

This case is more than just a poker story—it’s a test of integrity, accountability, and how the game adapts in an age where money, fame, and marketing are as much a part of the landscape as the cards themselves.

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sources:pokernews