After a prolonged absence that stretched over six years, the Aussie Millions Poker Championship has resumed play at Crown Melbourne, drawing attention from poker enthusiasts in Australia and beyond. The 2026 edition began on April 24 and will continue through May 10, featuring a packed schedule of tournaments and a substantial prize pool estimated at AU$14 million.

This year’s festival unfolds in a newly designed poker room at Crown Melbourne and includes 18 tournaments over 17 days. Organizers have positioned the series as a major moment for the global poker community, particularly after uncertainty in previous years about whether the event would return.

Opening Tournament Signals Start of Competition

The $1,500 Opening Event serves as the first major contest of the series and carries a guaranteed prize pool of AU$1 million. Play began with multiple starting flights, allowing participants several opportunities to enter the field. Day 1A kicked off with players receiving 40,000 chips and competing across 15 levels, each lasting 40 minutes. Scheduled breaks occur after every three levels, while late registration remains open until Level 10.

Subsequent flights continue throughout the opening weekend, including Day 1B, Day 1C, and a turbo-format Day 1D. Those advancing from these stages will return for Day 2, where the structure shifts to longer 60-minute levels as the competition narrows. The event is expected to conclude on April 28, when the first title winner of the series will be decided.

High-Profile Events and Notable Participants

Beyond the opening tournament, several key events stand out on the schedule. Among them are the $5,000 six-max event, the $1,500 Mystery Bounty, and the $25,000 Challenge. The series will culminate in the AU$10,600 Main Event, set to run from May 4 through May 10.

Buy-ins across the festival range from AU$1,500 to AU$25,000, offering opportunities for a wide range of players. Organizers have emphasized inclusivity while maintaining high-stakes competition at the top end of the schedule.

The 2026 edition also features a mix of established poker figures and well-known personalities. Ambassadors for the event include defending World Series of Poker Main Event champion Michael Mizrachi, Australia’s 2005 WSOP champion Joe Hachem, and Poker Hall of Fame inductee Van Marcus. In addition, NBA player Josh Giddey is expected to participate, adding further visibility to the tournament.

Charity Event Marks Opening Night

The return of the Aussie Millions was formally marked by a Celebrity Challenge for Charity held prior to the main tournament action. This invitation-only event featured 24 participants, including public figures, poker professionals, and representatives from Crown leadership.

The tournament concluded with Andrew Bassat defeating Tom Hawkins in the final round, securing the win after a comeback performance. As part of the event, AU$25,000 was donated to Street Side Medics through the Crown Resorts Foundation.

The charity competition also drew several notable attendees, including Jackson Warne, Martin Pakula, and Campbell Brown, alongside members of Australia’s poker community. Joe Hachem was among those who made an early run before being eliminated, while James and Antonia Hachem both reached the final table, with James finishing in fifth place.

A Long-Awaited Return to the Poker Calendar

For many players and fans, the 2026 Aussie Millions represents more than just another tournament series. Its absence over the past six years left a noticeable gap in the international poker circuit. With its return, the event once again takes a prominent place among major global competitions.

The combination of a large prize pool, varied tournament offerings, and participation from both seasoned professionals and celebrity entrants has restored the festival’s reputation as a key destination for poker. As the series progresses, attention will remain focused on Crown Melbourne, where competitors continue to battle for titles and significant winnings.