While losing emotional control—going on tilt—is not uncommon in poker, it’s a much rarer sight in an event as big as the WSOP 2025 $50,000 High Roller. Tournaments at this level typically feature experienced, highly skilled players, or those with such deep bankrolls that they can absorb losses without it affecting their mental game. This time, however, there was a striking exception.
According to PokerNews, the Japanese player Motoki Jinno misread an all-in situation and accidentally folded a flopped set, immediately sending him on tilt. Jinno didn’t just lose a single pot—he lost all control over his game. His playing style changed completely, and he soon busted out of the tournament. In such a tough, experienced field, with stakes this high, where even the smallest mistake can be extremely costly, his exit was especially dramatic.
Miscommunication Leads to a Costly Fold
The key hand unfolded on a board of T-6-5-4, where Jinno held pocket sixes for a flopped set. His opponent had moved all in, but Jinno appeared not to realize action was on him. As his time bank ran out without a response, the dealer ruled his hand dead despite his protests. His cards were exposed—pocket sixes that would have crushed his opponent’s pocket queens.
A Tilt Spiral in the $50,000 High Roller
After that moment, Jinno’s strategy unraveled. Abandoning his earlier disciplined style, he began playing aggressively and erratically, firing big opens from early position and snap-calling three-bets with marginal holdings. This classic poker tilt behavior can be dangerous in any event, but in a $50,000 High Roller field filled with experienced players, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Ironically, for a brief stretch, the aggression paid off. Jinno eliminated Alex Foxen in a dramatic pot by catching trips with J6 suited against AK, and managed another double-up with a backdoor straight. But the short-lived upswing ended when he shoved 8-2 offsuit into pocket aces, sealing his elimination before the dinner break.
A Professional Lesson for Live Tournament Poker
Motoki Jinno’s elimination is a clear reminder of the importance of mental discipline in live tournament poker. Even at the $50,000 High Roller level, a moment of confusion or emotional reaction can undo hours of solid play. For serious players, it’s a textbook example of why focus, emotional control, and understanding tournament procedures are as essential as technical skill.
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