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15 Jun 2026Read More
Aussie Millions Returns to Melbourne
- Aussie Millions returns in 2026 after a six-year break.
- Features 18 events and AUD$14M prize pool.
- Main Event and High Roller tournaments to attract global players.
Image Credit: crownmelbourne.com.au
The iconic Aussie Millions poker tournament returns to Crown Melbourne in 2026 after a six-year hiatus. Running from 24 April to 10 May, the festival features 18 events and a massive AUD$14,000,000 estimated prize pool for global poker enthusiasts.
The wait is finally over for the international poker community. One of the most celebrated and prestigious fixtures on the global poker circuit is making its highly anticipated comeback.
The Aussie Millions is officially scheduled to return to Crown Melbourne from 24 April to 10 May, 2026, marking the end of a long six-year hiatus that left a significant void in the professional poker calendar.
The 2026 series promises to be a massive affair, consisting of 18 individual tournaments. Organizers have set an ambitious estimated total prize pool of AUD$14,000,000 (approximately US$9,000,000).
To ensure the festival is accessible to a wide range of players, buy-ins will start at a competitive AUD$1,500 (US$970) and scale up to AUD$25,000 (US$16,000) for the high-stakes contenders.
The undisputed centerpiece of the schedule is the legendary AUD$10,600 (US$6,900) Main Event.
This specific tournament has a storied history of attracting the elite of the poker world and crowning champions who are now household names in the industry.
"We are thrilled to be welcoming Aussie Millions back to Crown Melbourne after six years," stated Crown Melbourne CEO Ed Domingo.
He noted that the revival is more than just a card game, but a celebration of the world-class hospitality and guest experiences that define the Crown brand.
A Look Back at the Aussie Millions Legacy
The journey of this festival is a classic "grassroots to greatness" story. When it first launched in 1998, it was a local affair featuring only 74 players competing for a total prize pool of AUD$74,000. However, by the mid-2000s, it had evolved into a "must-attend" destination for players globally.
The draw was a perfect combination of factors: the lure of the Australian sun, a luxury setting at Crown, and a player pool that featured a healthy mix of local casual players and satellite qualifiers.
During its peak years in the 2000s and 2010s, the Main Event consistently saw fields of 700 to 800 entrants, making it the most significant poker event in the Southern Hemisphere.
Famous Faces and High Stakes History
The halls of Crown Melbourne have witnessed some of the most famous moments in poker history. In 2007, Gus Hansen secured a historic victory and documented every single hand played, which led to the publication of his acclaimed book, 'Every Hand Revealed'. Other luminaries who have lifted the trophy include Toby Lewis, Ari Engel, and Bryn Kenney.
Beyond the Main Event, the festival became a pioneer for the "High Roller" sub-culture. The AUD$250,000 Challenge became a playground for the world's best, most notably Phil Ivey, who famously dominated the event by winning three titles in just five years.
2026 Aussie Millions Full Schedule
A New Chapter for International Poker
The Aussie Millions has always been a favorite among top-tier professionals due to its deep-stack structures, exceptional hospitality, and the vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne.
For many, the January trip to Australia was an annual pilgrimage. While the 2026 dates shift the action to the autumn months, the excitement remains unchanged. Players around the globe are already beginning to coordinate their travel plans to witness the rebirth of this poker institution.
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