![Australia [AUS]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/au.svg "Australia [AUS]"){kind=small}
Australia, Melbourne
- Guaranteed Prize Pool
- A$1,000,000
- Number of Events
- 18 (36)
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 backbone of the 17-day poker festival is the 10,600 AUD buy-in Aussie Millions Main Event, which attracts the biggest pros, as well as the series-launching 1,500 AUD buy-in Opening Event, tempting players to the tables with a 1,000,000 AUD guaranteed prize pool. For fans of the highest stakes, the 25,000 AUD buy-in $25K Challenge provides unforgettable thrills in the second half of the festival.
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.
![Australia [AUS]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/au.svg "Australia [AUS]"){kind=small}
Crown Melbourne is the undisputed epicenter of Australian poker and the largest integrated resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Situated along the vibrant Southbank of the Yarra River, the venue is a world-class destination that blends high-stakes adrenaline with unrivaled luxury. After a significant hiatus, 2026 marks the historic return of the Aussie Millions, reclaiming Crown’s status as a mandatory stop on the international professional circuit and the spiritual home of “championship-level” poker in Asia-Pacific.
Why Crown Melbourne?
- The Grand Return of Aussie Millions: From April 24 to May 10, 2026, Crown Melbourne hosts the iconic Aussie Millions Poker Championship, featuring 18 events and an estimated $14,000,000 prize pool.
- Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Room: Boasting over 50 permanent poker tables, the room scales up to accommodate thousands of players during major festivals, offering a variety of No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha games.
- 24/7 Professional Action: As a full-service casino, the poker room operates around the clock (excluding specific public holidays), providing consistent cash game traffic ranging from $2/$5 “social” games to high-stakes VIP showdowns.
- Unrivaled Integrated Luxury: Home to three award-winning hotels (Crown Towers, Crown Metropol, and Crown Promenade) and signature dining like Nobu and Bistro Guillaume, allowing for a complete “stay-and-play” experience.
AUSSIE MILLIONS
Apr 24 – May 10, 2026
SOUTHBANK HUB
Melbourne’s Heart
STATUS
Global Major Stop
The Crown Melbourne Poker Experience
Poker at Crown Melbourne is defined by its sheer scale and prestige. The poker room, currently situated on Level 1 of the casino, is a high-production arena featuring professional dealers, dedicated tournament directors, and a sophisticated waitlist system. While the “Las Vegas” style basement era is a memory, the current setup prioritizes technical integrity and professional standards, with every table operating under strict Crown PlaySafe guidelines to ensure a secure and responsible environment.
The 2026 season is headlined by the Aussie Millions Main Event, an AU$10,600 buy-in spectacle that draws the world’s most recognizable pros. Beyond the majors, the daily schedule is packed with satellites and “Daily Tournament Highlights,” offering pathways for recreational players to win their way into the big games for as little as $85. The action is complemented by Crown Rewards, where carded play at the poker tables earns points redeemable for the resort’s elite dining and hotel stays.
Beyond the felt, Crown Melbourne is a sprawling entertainment city. Players can transition from an intense session to a world-class meal at Silks or Conservatory, or unwind with live sports at the many surrounding bars. With its central location in the Southbank district, the venue is just steps away from Melbourne’s iconic arts precinct and central business district, making it the premier destination for the international poker traveler.
Venue Logistics
📍 Location: Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia . (Centrally located with multiple multi-level and basement parking options).
🏨 Accommodations: Crown Towers (6-star luxury), Crown Metropol (Modern/Chic), and Crown Promenade (Contemporary). VIP poker packages often include stays at these on-site properties.
📝 Entry & Requirements: Open 24/7 (closed 4 AM – 12 PM on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and ANZAC Day). Valid Photo ID is mandatory. Carded Play: Crown Melbourne has introduced measures requiring a Rewards Card to play, which allows for setting time and loss limits.
