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

<p>In the 915th episode of the <em>PokerNews Podcast</em>, <strong>Chad Holloway</strong> and <strong>Mike Holtz</strong> are once again joined by <strong>Ben Ludlow</strong> to talk about the latest stories and highlights from the poker world. That includes back-to-back WSOP Ladies Event champ <strong>Shiina Okamoto</strong>, who was back to her winning ways after taking down the Women's Event at the recently-completed <strong>EPT Barcelona</strong>. Is it time to start mentioning her name when talking about the G.O.A.T.s of the game?</p> <p>Speaking of the EPT Barcelona, <strong>David Coleman</strong> had four runner-up finishes there, while <strong>Thomas Eychenne</strong> took down the EPT Barcelona Main Event for €1,217,175. It was actually in that tournament that <em>PokerNews</em> spotted <strong>Jesse Yaginuma</strong> and <strong>James Carroll</strong>, the two friends who caused quite the controversy over the summer in the WSOP Millionaire Maker, seated next to each other. Strange coincidence, that. </p> <p>From there, Chad offers highlights from his Wisconsin hangout with <strong>Phil Hellmuth</strong>, who then went ot New Hampshire for a "Beat the Champ" weekend that saw <strong>Brandon Cantu</strong> emerge victorious. Hellmuth also remembered the late, great Poker Hall of Fame tournament director <strong>Jack McClelland</strong>.</p> <p>Speaking of winners, <strong>Grant Hinkle</strong>, <strong>Nick Rigby</strong>, and <strong>Maurice Hawkins</strong> 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 <strong>PokerGO Tour (PGT) Venetian Las Vegas Classic</strong>.</p> <p>Finally, remember <em>PokerNews</em> 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. <a href= "https://www.pokernews.com/news/2025/08/michael-mizrachi-world-tournament-of-slots-announcement-49370.htm"> Click here to learn more about the WTOS</a>.</p> <p>A new <em>PokerNews Podcast</em> drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@pokernewsdotcom">subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> so you do not miss an episode!</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Time Stamps</strong></span><br /> *Time | Topic*<br /> 00:00 | Welcome to the show<br /> 00:10 | Ben Ludlow joins the show<br /> 01:00 | Shiina Okamoto wins EPT Barcelona Ladies Event<br /> 05:00 | Shiina Okamoto's winning hand<br /> 05:50 | David Coleman four runner-up finishes<br /> 09:00 | What's your favorite cheese?<br /> 10:33 | World Tournament of Slots giveaway<br /> 13:20 | Chad hangs out with Hellmuth in Wisconsin<br /> 16:16 | Hellmuth's 'Beat the Champ' weekend in New Hampshire<br /> 19:07 | Highlight videos from Hellmuth's 'Beat the Champ'<br /> 22:31 | Phil Hellmuth remembers Jack McClelland<br /> 25:36 | James Anderson wins MSPT JACK Cleveland<br /> 27:20 | Thomas Eychenne wins EPT Barcelona Main Event for €1,217,175 <br /> 31:36 | Jesse Yaginuma & James Carroll get sat by each other  <br /> 35:00 | Grant Hinkle wins Oklahoma State Championship; First Winner in Six Years <br /> 35:53 | Nick Rigby wins RunGood Grand Prix Caesars Southern Indiana <br /> 36:20 | Mike's Nick Rigby story<br /> 38:51 | Maurice Hawkins wins two rings at WSOP Circuit New Orleans<br /> 42:57 | PGT Venetian Classic features $1M Guaranteed Main Event </p>