Banned WSOP Millionaire Maker Players Resurface in EPT Barcelona Main Event

Two American poker players at the center of one of the year’s biggest scandals have reappeared on the international stage. Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll, who were banned from the World Series of Poker (WSOP) following a controversial finish in the 2025 Millionaire Maker, were spotted playing on Day 1b of the €5,300 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona Main Event.

Back in June, Yaginuma and Carroll drew headlines after the WSOP concluded that collusion occurred during the heads-up stage of the Millionaire Maker. Carroll, who at one point held a dominant 9:1 chip lead, was found to have intentionally dumped chips, allowing Yaginuma to capture the title.

The unusual situation carried enormous financial implications. Yaginuma was chasing a $1 million bonus from ClubWPT Gold, awarded if he won the bracelet. Following an internal investigation, WSOP stripped him of the title and bracelet, banned both players, but still awarded them the combined first- and second-place payouts of $1,133,750 each. ClubWPT ultimately paid the bonus despite the controversy, though the exact arrangement remains undisclosed.

The case quickly reached beyond the poker world, receiving mainstream coverage including ESPN reports. Neither Yaginuma nor Carroll has made a public statement since.

Fast-forward to August, and the pair resurfaced at Casino Barcelona, seated just a few rows apart in the Main Event. While their presence didn’t go unnoticed, live reporting teams noted little table talk about the Las Vegas scandal.

Carroll started Day 1b in impressive fashion, growing his 30,000-chip starting stack to over 100,000 by the time blinds reached 300/600. Yaginuma also found early momentum, sitting above starting stack with 40,000 chips.

The field continues to build, with Day 1a drawing 715 entries and 221 survivors. Day 1b had surpassed 250 registrations at press time, with play scheduled to conclude at the end of Level 10.

Although both players remain banned from the WSOP, European events operate under different jurisdictions. Their appearance in Barcelona suggests they plan to stay active on the live circuit despite the shadow of their June scandal.

With the EPT Barcelona Main Event continuing through the week, many eyes will remain on Yaginuma and Carroll—not just for their chip counts, but for how the poker community responds to their controversial return.