The poker tournament series will be held at Crown Melbourne beginning next April
After a long break, one of poker’s most famous tournaments is officially back on the calendar. The Aussie Millions will return to Crown Melbourne from April 24 to May 10, 2026, marking its first run since 2020. Known for its unique mix of elite competition and a relaxed, luxury setting, the event has long held a special place in the poker world.
The 2026 series will include 18 separate tournaments and is expected to generate prize pools totaling around AUD14 million (US$9 million). Players will find buy-ins ranging from AUD1,500 to AUD25,000 (US$1,000 to US$16,500), catering to a wide mix of professionals and serious amateurs. The headline attraction, as always, will be the AUD$10,600 Main Event, a tournament that has helped shape the careers of many poker greats.
Crown Melbourne CEO Ed Domingo expressed excitement about the event’s return, describing it as more than just a poker series — it’s also a chance to highlight Crown’s broader entertainment experience. The Aussie Millions first began in 1998 with just 74 players but quickly grew into a global attraction by the mid-2000s. Its mix of strong local participation, satellite entries, and international pros helped build its reputation.
Some of the game’s top names have made their mark in Melbourne, including Gus Hansen, Bryn Kenney, Ari Engel, and Toby Lewis. Phil Ivey’s dominance in the high-stakes events — particularly the $250,000 Challenge — further cemented the event’s legendary status.
The tournament had been on an indefinite pause since 2020 due to pandemic disruptions and major internal changes at Crown. Now, following a change in ownership and a return of poker events in 2024, the Aussie Millions is back, and the global poker community is already watching closely. More details are expected soon.
