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Daniel Negreanu Responds to WSOP "Millionaire Maker" Chip-Dumping Controversy

Daniel Negreanu has publicly addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the $1,500 Millionaire Maker event at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), where suspicions of chip-dumping arose during the heads-up final table. In a recent vlog, Negreanu expressed frustration over the "hysteria and lack of seriousness" in some reactions to the incident. He emphasized that the matter is now under investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and declined further comment until official results are released1. WSOP Withholds Prize Money Following the final table, WSOP froze the prize money of both finalists—Jesse Yaginuma (who overcame a 1:9 chip deficit to win) and James Carroll—pending an investigation into potential collusion. Yaginuma, who secured his fourth WSOP bracelet, was also set to receive a $1 million bonus from ClubWPT Gold, a rival platform. This bonus structure fueled speculation that the two players may have orchestrated a deal to split the winnings1.

Negreanu’s Stance: Waiting for the NGCB’s Verdict

Negreanu, a GGPoker ambassador, hinted at his strong opinions but chose restraint: "I have a lot to say, but the smartest move is to wait for the NGCB’s ruling."GGPoker He criticized the overreactions but acknowledged the gravity of the situation, given WSOP’s prestige and the integrity of poker1. WSOP’s Final Ruling: No Champion, Split Prize Pool On July 1, WSOP concluded its investigation and announced:

No official winner would be recognized, and no bracelet awarded.

The remaining prize pool was split evenly between Yaginuma and Carroll, each receiving $1,133,750 (originally $1.25M for 1st, $1.01M for 2nd). Despite WSOP’s decision, ClubWPT still paid Yaginuma the $1M bonus, bringing his total earnings to $2.13 million1.

Key Takeaways

This marks the first time WSOP has declined to award a bracelet in a live event due to integrity concerns. The incident has reignited debates over deal-making in tournaments, with some arguing WSOP should allow formal chop agreements to prevent such controversies. Future rule clarifications are expected to prevent similar incidents1. Negreanu’s full analysis is expected once the NGCB releases its findings, likely touching on fair play, WSOP’s legacy, and the ethics of external bonuses in poker tournaments.