Is Shiina Okamoto the G.O.A.T.? Plus, a Dirty Adventure with Phil Hellmuth

In the 915th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are once again joined by Ben Ludlow to talk about the latest stories and highlights from the poker world. That includes back-to-back WSOP Ladies Event champ Shiina Okamoto, who was back to her winning ways after taking down the Women's Event at the recently-completed EPT Barcelona. Is it time to start mentioning her name when talking about the G.O.A.T.s of the game?

Speaking of the EPT Barcelona, David Coleman had four runner-up finishes there, while Thomas Eychenne took down the EPT Barcelona Main Event for €1,217,175. It was actually in that tournament that PokerNews spotted Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll, the two friends who caused quite the controversy over the summer in the WSOP Millionaire Maker, seated next to each other. Strange coincidence, that. 

From there, Chad offers highlights from his Wisconsin hangout with Phil Hellmuth, who then went ot New Hampshire for a "Beat the Champ" weekend that saw Brandon Cantu emerge victorious. Hellmuth also remembered the late, great Poker Hall of Fame tournament director Jack McClelland.

Speaking of winners, Grant Hinkle, Nick Rigby, and Maurice Hawkins all took down titles, which are recapped in this episode, and inspired Mike to share a Rigby story of his own. Also, a preview of the upcoming PokerGO Tour (PGT) Venetian Las Vegas Classic.

Finally, remember PokerNews is giving away a seat in the World Tournament of Slots (WTOS). You could have an approximate one in 500 chance at a $1,000,000 top prize. Click here to learn more about the WTOS.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:10 | Ben Ludlow joins the show
01:00 | Shiina Okamoto wins EPT Barcelona Ladies Event
05:00 | Shiina Okamoto’s winning hand
05:50 | David Coleman four runner-up finishes
09:00 | What’s your favorite cheese?
10:33 | World Tournament of Slots giveaway
13:20 | Chad hangs out with Hellmuth in Wisconsin
16:16 | Hellmuth’s ‘Beat the Champ’ weekend in New Hampshire
19:07 | Highlight videos from Hellmuth’s ‘Beat the Champ’
22:31 | Phil Hellmuth remembers Jack McClelland
25:36 | James Anderson wins MSPT JACK Cleveland
27:20 | Thomas Eychenne wins EPT Barcelona Main Event for €1,217,175 
31:36 | Jesse Yaginuma & James Carroll get sat by each other  
35:00 | Grant Hinkle wins Oklahoma State Championship; First Winner in Six Years 
35:53 | Nick Rigby wins RunGood Grand Prix Caesars Southern Indiana 
36:20 | Mike’s Nick Rigby story
38:51 | Maurice Hawkins wins two rings at WSOP Circuit New Orleans
42:57 | PGT Venetian Classic features $1M Guaranteed Main Event