Widely regarded as the most prestigious poker tournament in the Southern Hemisphere, the Aussie Millions (officially the Australian Poker Championship) is a true cornerstone of the global poker circuit. After a prolonged six-year hiatus, the iconic festival has officially returned to the global calendar in a massive way.
Hosted at the luxurious Crown Melbourne, the series has historically drawn the biggest names in the game. Famous for its deep-structured Main Event and for pioneering the Super High Roller format, it remains a pillar of poker history. This guide covers its legendary past, the newly structured 2026 schedule, and everything players need to know about its highly anticipated comeback.
The Aussie Millions is officially back. Crown Melbourne will host the 2026 Aussie Millions Poker Championship from April 24 to May 10, 2026. Presented by CrownBet, the revitalized festival features 18 tournaments, an estimated AU$14 million prize pool, and the return of the classic $10,600 AUD Main Event.
The 2026 Return Details
Following a prolonged pause influenced by the global pandemic and subsequent regulatory changes at Crown Casino, the poker world was left wondering if the Aussie Millions would ever run again. In a major announcement early this year, Crown Melbourne confirmed the series returns in the spring of 2026.
Officially titled the Aussie Millions Poker Championship Presented by CrownBet, the series is also backed by Pepperstone as the Official Trading Partner. To modernize the player experience, organizers have integrated a 30-second Shot Clock and Big Blind Ante structures across key events to accelerate the pace of play. Australian poker legend and WSOP Champion Joe Hachem has stepped in as the official ambassador, bridging the tournament’s historic roots with its exciting new era.
History and the Poker Boom
The tournament actually predates the televised poker boom. Launching as the Australasian Poker Championship in 1998, the inaugural Main Event featured a modest $1,000 buy-in and drew just 74 local players. As poker swept the globe in the early 2000s, Crown Casino successfully positioned the series as a premier destination for international pros escaping the Northern Hemisphere winter.
Timeline of Excellence
Birth of the Super High Roller
While the World Series of Poker is famous for its history, the Aussie Millions is deeply respected for pushing the boundaries of tournament buy-ins. Crown Casino recognized the demand from elite professionals and ultra-wealthy business figures, creating events with entry fees that changed the game entirely.
The $100,000 Challenge
Introduced in 2006, this is widely recognized as the dawn of the modern high roller era. It immediately attracted the biggest names in poker and set a new standard for high-stakes broadcasting.
The $250,000 Super High Roller
In 2011, the Aussie Millions raised the bar again. Poker legend Erik Seidel won the inaugural $250K event, and Phil Ivey famously won this specific tournament an incredible three times.
The Crown Melbourne Experience
The Aussie Millions is inseparable from its venue. Crown Melbourne is the largest casino in the Southern Hemisphere. Following a major renovation of their gaming floors, the new dedicated poker zones offer top-tier comfort and security for the 2026 return.
A major draw for international players has always been the tournament structure itself. The Main Event traditionally transitions from 8-handed to 6-max deep in the tournament, offering a deep-stack experience that heavily favors skill over variance. Players also praise the venue’s proximity to world-class dining and sports events in downtown Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aussie Millions running in 2026?
Yes. After a six-year break, the Aussie Millions is officially returning to Crown Melbourne from April 24 to May 10, 2026. The schedule includes 18 tournaments and an estimated $14 million AUD prize pool.
Who are the sponsors for the 2026 series?
The 2026 event is officially titled the Aussie Millions Poker Championship Presented by CrownBet. Additionally, Pepperstone has joined as the Official Trading Partner, and WSOP champion Joe Hachem is serving as the official event ambassador.
What is the buy-in for the Main Event?
The signature Main Event features a buy-in of $10,600 AUD. The 2026 festival also offers a variety of entry points, with preliminary event buy-ins starting at $1,500 AUD.
Who won the biggest prize in Aussie Millions history?
The record for the largest Main Event payout is $2,000,000 AUD, a milestone achieved consecutively by three players between 2009 and 2011: Stewart Scott, Tyron Krost, and David Gorr. In the high roller categories, Phil Ivey is famous for winning the massive $250K Challenge three times.
Are there any rule changes for the 2026 return?
Yes. The 2026 edition introduces modern tournament standards, including the implementation of a 30-second Shot Clock and Big Blind Ante structures to speed up gameplay and improve the overall player experience.
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Tournament details and schedules are subject to change — please refer to the official website for the latest information. Poker involves financial risk and is only available to adults aged 18+. Please play responsibly and within your local laws.
