The Anticipated Return of the Aussie Millions Poker Championship
For enthusiasts of the poker world, the Aussie Millions has long stood as one of the premier festivals on the global stage. After a prolonged absence, excitement brews as the iconic tournament appears poised for a comeback in 2025, promising to reignite the competitive spirit and camaraderie among players.
News of a Comeback
Recent revelations from the Poker Pulse Podcast, hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy, reveal that the Aussie Millions is set to return to Crown Melbourne in April 2025. While an official announcement is forthcoming, the excitement surrounding this news signals a potential highlight in the poker calendar for the upcoming year.
Co-host Troy Mclean confirmed the April date, exclaiming, “I had heard on the grapevine that it would be returning next year… It’s been confirmed now. It’s very exciting stuff.” Mclean hinted at possible changes to the structure of the Main Event, speculating between an A$10,000 or A$8,000 entry fee. The tournament, renowned for attracting both seasoned international players and local satellite winners, aims to rebuild its reputation with 6-7 qualifying seats scheduled to be offered weekly.
The last edition of the Aussie Millions took place in 2020, drawing an impressive 820 entrants, culminating in Vincent Wan emerging victorious. As expectations mount for the revamped event, Mclean and Abernethy predict a renewed pursuit of those thrilling prize pools— ideally resembling the event’s past grandeur.
A Glorious History
The Aussie Millions, initially known as the Crown Australian Poker Championship, first graced the poker world in 1998. Its origins can be traced to the participation of local and South Pacific players, but it rapidly escalated to international prominence. A key highlight in its evolution was the introduction of the high-stakes tournaments like the $100,000 Challenge in 2006 and the $250,000 Challenge, which immediately captured the attention of elite players, including the tournament’s stalwart, Phil Ivey, who has notably secured three victories in the latter.
The Main Event of the Aussie Millions has witnessed astonishing growth, consistently attracting more players with each passing year. Its timing during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer not only provides a scenic escape for international participants from colder climates but also magnifies the festival’s allure.
Adapting to Changing Times
While the Crowne Resort acknowledged the "iconic part of poker history" that the Aussie Millions represents, the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of the festival. With lockdowns and travel restrictions dampening live events across Australia, the global poker community felt the ripple effects of this decision profoundly.
Despite the setbacks, the Australian poker landscape is resurfacing. With successful World Poker Tour events held over the past three years, including the recent victory of James Obst, anticipation for a vibrant poker scene is palpable. Moreover, the launch of the inaugural Australian Poker Open in 2024 suggests a resurgent enthusiasm for live tournaments.
A Poker Resurgence in Australia
The resurgence of prominent poker events in Australia may lay the groundwork for the return of the Aussie Millions, teeming with excitement and promise. The community’s eagerness to welcome back such an integral tournament reflects a collective yearning to restore the vibrancy and energy that this festival historically offered.
As the poker calendar aligns for 2025, players around the globe are keeping a close eye on developments and satellite opportunities that will hopefully accompany the main event. A rejuvenated Aussie Millions would not only rekindle old rivalries and friendships but also breathe new life into Australia’s reputation as a key player on the international poker stage.
A Legacy Continues
The anticipation for the potential return of the Aussie Millions is intertwined with its storied past. From its humble beginnings in 1998 to becoming a hallmark of quality and excitement, the festival’s legacy is rich and textured. Listed below are the notable winners of the Aussie Millions Main Event from its inception to 2020, showcasing emerging talents alongside poker titans.
Aussie Millions Main Event Winners (1998-2020)
| Year | Entries | Prize Pool | Winner | Country | First Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 74 | A$74,000 | Alex Horowitz | Australia | A$25,900 |
| 1999 | 109 | A$109,000 | Milo Nadalin | Australia | A$38,150 |
| 2000 | 109 | A$173,500 | Leo Boxell | Australia | A$65,225 |
| 2001 | 101 | A$151,500 | Sam Korman | Australia | A$53,025 |
| 2002 | 66 | A$330,000 | John Maver | Australia | A$150,000 |
| 2003 | 122 | A$1,220,000 | Peter Costa | UK | A$394,870 |
| 2004 | 133 | A$1,330,000 | Tony Bloom | UK | A$426,500 |
| 2005 | 263 | A$2,630,000 | Jamil Dia | New Zealand | A$1,000,000 |
| 2006 | 418 | A$4,180,000 | Lee Nelson | New Zealand | A$1,295,800 |
| 2007 | 747 | A$7,470,000 | Gus Hansen | Denmark | A$1,500,000 |
| 2008 | 780 | A$7,758,500 | Alexander Kostritsyn | Russia | A$1,650,000 |
| 2009 | 681 | A$6,810,000 | Stewart Scott | Australia | A$2,000,000 |
| 2010 | 746 | A$7,460,000 | Tyron Krost | Australia | A$2,000,000 |
| 2011 | 721 | A$7,210,000 | David Gorr | Australia | A$2,000,000 |
| 2012 | 659 | A$6,590,000 | Oliver Speidel | Australia | A$1,600,000 |
| 2013 | 629 | A$6,290,000 | Mervin Chan | Malaysia | A$1,600,000 |
| 2014 | 668 | A$6,680,000 | Ami Barer | Canada | A$1,600,000 |
| 2015 | 648 | A$6,480,000 | Manny Stavropoulos | Australia | A$1,385,500 |
| 2016 | 732 | A$7,320,000 | Ari Engel | Canada | A$1,600,000 |
| 2017 | 725 | A$7,250,000 | Shurane Vijayaram | Australia | A$1,600,000 |
| 2018 | 800 | A$8,000,000 | Toby Lewis | UK | A$1,458,198 |
| 2019 | 822 | A$8,220,000 | Bryn Kenney | USA | A$1,272,598 |
| 2020 | 820 | A$8,200,000 | Vincent Wan | Australia | A$1,318,000 |
As the poker community turns its gaze towards Melbourne in April 2025, the excitement is palpable. The Australian poker scene is reawakening, and with it, the hope that the Aussie Millions will once again capture the essence of what makes poker thrilling.
Written by Will Shillibier, Managing Editor of PokerNews. Based in the UK, Will has been passionately reporting on live poker since 2015. His insights and expertise make him an invaluable voice in the poker community.
