After a six-year hiatus, the Aussie Millions have officially returned today at Crown Melbourne. Due to operational changes at Crown Resorts and interruptions caused by the epidemic, the tournament was postponed until 2020. The 2026 series has a new poker room, a changed schedule, and 18 events spread over 17 days from 24 April to 10 May.
Changes in the global poker schedule are reflected in the move from its customary January slot to April. Since its founding in 1998, Aussie Millions has expanded to become the biggest poker tournament in the Southern Hemisphere, gaining recognition over the course of over thirty years. One of the long-standing live tournaments on the global poker circuit has been revived with its comeback.
Event overview and key highlights
The 2026 Aussie Millions will take place at Crown Melbourne from 24 April to 10 May, spanning more than two weeks of tournaments.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the schedule highlights:
Key events include:
- Opening Event: 24-28 April, AUD $1,500 (approx. USD $975)
- Mystery Bounty: 28-30 April, AUD $1,500 (approx. USD $975)
- $5K Challenge: 1-2 May, AUD $5,000 (approx. USD $3,250)
- $25K Challenge: 3-4 May, AUD $25,000 (approx. USD $16,250)
- Main Event: 4-10 May, AUD $10,600 (approx. USD $6,890)
The series, taking place at Crown Melbourne, is expected to have a prize fund of AUD $14 million (approx. USD $9.1 million). The buy-ins, which vary from AUD $1,500 (approx. USD $975) to AUD $25,000 (approx. USD $16,250), offer entry opportunities for both mid-level players and professionals with big stakes. Beyond the cash payouts, the Aussie Millions is considered a significant tournament, and wins are frequently viewed as career-defining accomplishments in the poker community.
Structure and format
The series starts with a guaranteed AUD $1 million prize pool (approx. USD $650,000) at the AUD $1,500 (approx. USD $975) Opening Event. Each of the 15 stages lasts 40 minutes, and players begin with 40,000 chips. Every three levels, there are breaks to maintain a balance between strategy and pace.
Day 1A, 1B, 1C, and a turbo 1D are the four starting flights offered by the event. The turbo option operates more quickly, and each flight offers a different entry point. Players can choose when they want to join by registering after Level 10. The format is designed to accommodate both newcomers and experienced players, offering accessibility while setting the tone for the rest of the series.
Must-watch tournaments in 2026
$5K 6-Max Event: The AUD $5,000 (approx. USD $3,250) 6-max tournament features shorter tables, which lead to faster, more aggressive play. The format is popular among experienced players who favour quick decision-making.
Mystery Bounty Event: This Event adds a random prize element, with players eligible to win mystery bounties during play. The format introduces unpredictability beyond standard tournament structures.
$25K Challenge: The AUD $25,000 (approx. USD $16,250) Challenge draws top players and is one of the highest-stakes events in the series. It serves as a major test of skill and bankroll, with a competitive field of international professionals.
Prestigious main event
The Main Event has a buy-in of AUD $10,600 (approx. USD $6,890) and runs from 4 May to 10 May. It begins with multiple starting flights and continues over several days of competition, requiring both skill and endurance.
Famous figures like Michael Mizrachi and Joe Hachem will be present at the 2026 edition, giving the event more legitimacy and interest. NBA player Josh Giddey is one of the most famous competitors, drawing widespread interest in the competition.
The festival opened with an invite-only Celebrity Challenge featuring 24 participants. The fast-paced Event marked the start of the series. The challenge raised AUD $25,000 (approx. USD $16,250) for Street Side Medics, directing proceeds towards community health initiatives.
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