The 2026 Aussie Millions Poker Championship, held at Crown Melbourne, has made a stunning comeback after a six-year hiatus, marking a new chapter in Australian poker history. The tournament, one of the most prestigious in the poker world, kicked off on April 24 and will run until May 10, with a total of 18 exciting events scheduled. Despite the prolonged absence, the event has already shattered expectations, drawing an overwhelming number of participants, especially in its opening event.

Record-breaking Start for the 2026 Aussie Millions

The opening event of the 2026 Aussie Millions Poker Championship saw a massive turnout, surpassing all previous records. The AUD 1,500 Opening Event, held over four starting flights, set a new record with 2,144 entries. This remarkable figure significantly exceeded the previous high of 1,752 entries and resulted in a prize pool of AUD 2.79 million, nearly tripling the initial AUD 1 million guarantee. This overwhelming response from players has set the tone for the entire festival.

“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,” said Ed Domingo, CEO of Crown Melbourne for Poker News.

The 2026 Aussie Millions Main Event has not only returned but has also become the fifth-largest in history, with 770 players entering this year’s competition. While this number falls just shy of the all-time record of 822 entries set in 2019, it is a significant achievement for a tournament that had been on hiatus for six years. Organizers had initially set a target of 500 entries for the Main Event, but the actual turnout surpassed even the most optimistic predictions.

Harold Tsakmaklis, Executive General Manager of Gaming at Crown Melbourne, expressed his pride in the tournament’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 tournament progresses, the Main Event is building momentum with some familiar faces advancing through the ranks. Day 2 saw the field whittled down significantly, with notable players like Michael Mizrachi and Joe Hachem making their mark. Joe Sandaev emerged as the overall chip leader after Day 1C, and the tournament is now nearing the final stages.

With 95 places in the Main Event scheduled to be paid, the top prize is set at AUD 1.67 million (approximately USD 1.22 million), making it one of the most lucrative poker prizes in Australia. The tournament’s payout structure rewards deep runs, with a minimum cash of AUD 20,020 (USD 14,542), ensuring significant returns for the top contenders.

The return of the Aussie Millions is not just a victory for the Crown Melbourne team, but also a testament to the resilience and strength of Australian poker. The event’s success is reflective of the evolution of the Australian poker scene, which continues to thrive despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and regulatory hurdles.

The Aussie Millions has consistently held its position as a key player in the international poker circuit, and with the 2026 edition setting new records, it is poised to further cement its status as a must-attend event for poker professionals and enthusiasts alike.