Two poker players who were disqualified from the World Series of Poker (WSOP) earlier this summer have resurfaced at the European Poker Tour (EPT) in Barcelona, finding themselves seated just two chairs apart in the Main Event.
From Millionaire Maker Glory to Scandal
Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll made headlines in June when they reached heads-up play in Event #53: $1,500 Millionaire Maker. With Carroll holding a dominant 9-to-1 chip advantage, the final should have been a straightforward conclusion. Instead, WSOP officials later determined that Carroll intentionally surrendered chips to ensure Yaginuma’s victory.
The motivation stemmed from a lucrative $1 million bonus Yaginuma stood to collect through an external promotion if he won the bracelet. Although Yaginuma was officially announced as champion, the WSOP revoked the title, withheld the bracelet, and banned both players after confirming collusion. The prize pool was split evenly, with Yaginuma and Carroll each receiving $1,133,750.
Despite the controversy, the external sponsor honored Yaginuma’s $1 million payout, though the specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed. Neither player has publicly commented since the decision was finalized on June 25.
Back in Action at Casino Barcelona
Monday’s Day 1b of the €5,300 Main Event drew more than 250 players. In a remarkable twist of fate, Yaginuma and Carroll—both Americans—landed at the same table. Tournament reporters observed little interaction between the pair, and fellow competitors appeared to avoid bringing up the Millionaire Maker scandal.
Carroll wasted no time building momentum. Starting with 30,000 chips, he surged to more than 100,000 during the 300/600 blind level. Yaginuma also gained traction, climbing above his starting stack to about 40,000.
This marks only the second recorded tournament cash for either player since June. Yaginuma picked up a $2,200 result earlier in Florida, while Carroll has remained quiet on the live circuit.
EPT Barcelona Field Continues to Grow
The Barcelona Main Event is shaping up as one of the biggest stops of the season. Day 1a attracted 715 players, with 221 advancing to Day 2. The Day 1b session will conclude at the end of Level 10, with survivors returning Tuesday to join the remaining field.
The unexpected reunion of Yaginuma and Carroll at Casino Barcelona has reignited conversation about one of the most controversial WSOP finals in recent memory, underscoring the lasting impact of the Millionaire Maker scandal on the global poker scene.
