The 2026 Aussie Millions Poker Championship, held at Crown Melbourne, has made a shocking comeback after a six-year hiatus, marking a brand new chapter in Australian poker historical past. The event, one of the crucial prestigious within the poker world, kicked off on April 24 and will run till May 10, with a complete of 18 thrilling occasions scheduled. Despite the extended absence, the occasion has already shattered expectations, drawing an amazing variety of members, particularly in its opening occasion.
Record-breaking Start for the 2026 Aussie Millions
The opening occasion of the 2026 Aussie Millions Poker Championship noticed an enormous turnout, surpassing all earlier data. The AUD 1,500 Opening Event, held over 4 beginning flights, set a brand new file with 2,144 entries. This exceptional determine considerably exceeded the earlier excessive of 1,752 entries and resulted in a prize pool of AUD 2.79 million, almost tripling the preliminary AUD 1 million assure. This overwhelming response from gamers has set the tone for your complete competition.
“We always knew that it held a special place for players in Australia and globally, but we did expect it might take a year or two to regain its previous stature. To see 770 entries in the Main Event in our first year back is a real endorsement of both the tournament’s legacy and the worl-class experience our Crown team has delievered,” stated Ed Domingo, CEO of Crown Melbourne for Poker News.
The 2026 Aussie Millions Main Event has not solely returned however has additionally grow to be the fifth-largest in historical past, with 770 gamers getting into this 12 months’s competitors. While this quantity falls simply shy of the all-time file of 822 entries set in 2019, it’s a important achievement for a event that had been on hiatus for six years. Organizers had initially set a goal of 500 entries for the Main Event, however the precise turnout surpassed even probably the most optimistic predictions.
Harold Tsakmaklis, Executive General Manager of Gaming at Crown Melbourne, expressed his pleasure within the event’s success. “Reaching 770 entries in the Main Event is a phenomenal result and a powerful reminder of the prestige this tournament still commands on the world stage.”
The Road to the Final Table
As the event progresses, the Main Event is constructing momentum with some acquainted faces advancing by the ranks. Day 2 noticed the sphere whittled down considerably, with notable gamers like Michael Mizrachi and Joe Hachem making their mark. Joe Sandaev emerged as the general chip chief after Day 1C, and the event is now nearing the ultimate levels.
With 95 locations within the Main Event scheduled to be paid, the highest prize is ready at AUD 1.67 million (roughly USD 1.22 million), making it one of the crucial profitable poker prizes in Australia. The event’s payout construction rewards deep runs, with a minimal money of AUD 20,020 (USD 14,542), making certain important returns for the highest contenders.
The return of the Aussie Millions is not only a victory for the Crown Melbourne group, but additionally a testomony to the resilience and power of Australian poker. The occasion’s success is reflective of the evolution of the Australian poker scene, which continues to thrive regardless of challenges just like the COVID-19 pandemic and regulatory hurdles.
The Aussie Millions has constantly held its place as a key participant within the worldwide poker circuit, and with the 2026 version setting new data, it’s poised to additional cement its standing as a must-attend occasion for poker professionals and lovers alike.
