Aussie Millions Poker Championship 2026 | Apr 24 - May 10 | Crown Melbourne

The legendary Aussie Millions officially returns in 2026 to once again become one of the most important stops on the international poker calendar in Australia. The highly anticipated series kicks off on April 24, 2026, and runs until May 10 at the stunning Crown Melbourne casino. The festival offers a total of 18 official championship events, including the 25,000 AUD buy-in High Roller challenges and the world-renowned 10,600 AUD buy-in Main Event.

Aussie Millions 2026 Highlighted Events

The Aussie Millions Poker Championship 2026 boasts a rich and prestigious history as the premier poker festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Below, we look back at the key statistics, most exciting moments, and champions of this recent stop.

Recap of the Aussie Millions Poker Championship 2026

Returning after a six-year absence, the legendary festival took place between April 24 and May 10, 2026, in the heart of Melbourne at the stunning Crown Melbourne casino. The series was a massive success, attracting a total of 5,668 entries across 18 events, which generated a staggering total prize pool of A$13,820,670. The showstopping A$10,600 buy-in Main Event title was claimed by local hero Malcolm Trayner, who walked away with a massive A$1,382,198 top prize following a three-way ICM deal. Another standout performance came in the Opening Event, which drew a record-breaking 2,144 entrants, where Joshua Duce emerged victorious to secure A$438,400.

Champions

Here are the key champions from the recently concluded festival who walked away with coveted gold rings and trophies from the poker rooms of Crown Melbourne:

Full Tournament Schedule

This year's tournament schedule includes a total of 18 different events, with buy-ins ranging from 1,500 AUD all the way up to the 25,000 AUD super high roller level. In addition to classic formats, players can compete in technical variants such as H.O.R.S.E., 8-Game, or the increasingly popular Mystery Bounty tournaments.

Satellites & Qualification

Players can qualify for the major events through plenty of live satellite tournaments directly in the Crown Melbourne poker room. The road to the 10,600 AUD Aussie Millions Main Event begins with Milestone Phase 1 satellites, available for a buy-in of just 85 AUD, from which players can reach the main event via Phase 2 (280 AUD) and Phase 3 (1,150 AUD) steps.

In addition, the organizers have provided further alternatives: "Midnight Mega Satellite" tournaments run every night at 12:00 AM for 250 AUD, and classic Rebuy satellites (240 AUD entry + 100 AUD rebuy) also run for the Main Event. Furthermore, you can qualify for less not only for the Main Event but also for other major tournaments, such as the Opening Event (300 AUD), the $5K events (550 AUD), or even the dedicated qualifiers for the $25K Challenge (2,600 AUD).

Poker & Travel Guide

Australia, and especially Melbourne, is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for poker players, combining professional poker with stunning tourist experiences. The local autumn weather is perfect for exploring the metropolis situated on the banks of the Yarra River during breaks between tournaments. The area around Crown Melbourne is teeming with world-class restaurants, making it easy for players to find what they are looking for beyond the poker tables. The friendly locals and excellent infrastructure ensure that the more than two-week stay is comfortable and seamless. You can find more detailed information about the country in our dedicated Australia poker guide.

Official Poker Guide (Rules, Structures)

A significant portion of the 2026 Aussie Millions tournaments will utilize a modern Shot Clock system for faster gameplay: players have 30 seconds to act in most tournaments, while from Day 3 of the Main Event onwards, 15 seconds are available for preflop decisions. In addition, the vast majority of tournaments feature a Big Blind Ante structure.

Registration & Buy-in Information

To register for the tournaments, players must appear in person at the registration desk in the poker room located on the first floor of Crown Melbourne. Participation requires a valid Crown Rewards membership card (or signing up for one) and a photographic identification document (such as a passport). Payment of entry fees is strictly in Australian Dollars (AUD) on-site.

Destination Guide & Must See

Melbourne is a vibrant cultural and gastronomic hub that immediately captivates every visitor with its coffee culture and bustling arts scene. To unwind from the rigors of the tournaments, there are countless exciting activities in the heart of the city.

• Visit the iconic Federation Square, famous for its unique architecture and serving as the city's central meeting point.

• Take a relaxing walk through the beautiful grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the green heart of the city.

• Taste authentic local flavors at the bustling stalls of the historic Queen Victoria Market.

Travel Essentials

The key to a comfortable stay in Melbourne is proper advance planning, especially regarding airport and inner-city transportation.

• Airport Transfer: The Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is located about 25 kilometers from the city center; SkyBus express services or local taxis provide the easiest alternatives for getting into the city.

• Transportation: Within the central business district (CBD), tram use is free (Free Tram Zone), making travel between the casino and major attractions incredibly convenient and cost-effective.

The Venue: Crown Melbourne

The tournaments are hosted by Australia's largest and most magnificent entertainment complex, Crown Melbourne, located on the south bank of the Yarra River. The spacious poker room on the first floor of the complex welcomes visitors 24 hours a day with professional staff and a wide selection of cash games. The exact address of the casino is: 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia.