The poker world is buzzing with excitement as the Aussie Millions officially returns in 2026 after disappearing from the tournament calendar since 2020. Crown Melbourne will once again host the Southern Hemisphere’s most prestigious poker series from April 24 to May 10, 2026, marking the end of a drought that left players wondering if the iconic tournament would ever come back.

For online poker players, this announcement represents more than just another live tournament series. The Aussie Millions has historically been a launching pad for poker careers, with many online qualifiers making deep runs and even winning major events. The tournament’s return signals renewed confidence in live poker’s future and provides a premier destination for players looking to test their skills against international competition.

The 2026 edition promises to deliver everything that made the original series legendary: high-stakes action, innovative tournament formats, and the kind of prestige that can transform a player’s career overnight. With buy-ins ranging from AU$1,500 to AU$25,000 and a guaranteed prize pool of AU$14 million, there’s something for every bankroll and ambition level.

Aussie Millions 2026 Highlights

The return of Aussie Millions comes with significant upgrades and renewed energy after the extended break. Crown Melbourne CEO Ed Domingo has promised that this comeback edition will reestablish the tournament “as a must-visit on the international calendar for amateurs and elite competitors alike.”

The series features 18 distinct events, each designed to showcase different aspects of tournament poker. The flagship AU$10,600 Main Event maintains its traditional price point, ensuring accessibility for serious players while maintaining the prestige associated with five-figure buy-ins.

What sets this year apart is the timing change from the traditional January schedule to late April and early May. This adjustment puts the Aussie Millions in a unique position on the global poker calendar, potentially avoiding conflicts with other major series and taking advantage of Australia’s autumn season.

The guaranteed prize pool of AU$14 million represents substantial value for the poker ecosystem. Even with conservative field estimates, this guarantee suggests generous prize pool distributions and potentially overlay situations in some events.

Aussie Millions 2026 Schedule and Events

The 2026 Aussie Millions runs for 17 days from April 24 through May 10, providing an extended festival atmosphere that allows for both poker action and sightseeing in Melbourne. While the complete tournament schedule remains under wraps, Crown Melbourne has confirmed the essential details that matter most to players.

Buy-in Structure and Accessibility

The tournament caters to a wide range of bankrolls with buy-ins spanning from AU$1,500 to AU$25,000. This structure ensures that recreational players can participate in the festival atmosphere while high-stakes professionals have multiple opportunities for significant scores.

The AU$10,600 Main Event sits comfortably in the middle of this range, maintaining its status as a serious tournament that’s still within reach for dedicated players. Based on historical patterns, expect daily events in the AU$1,500 to AU$3,000 range, weekly marquee events in the AU$5,000 to AU$10,000 range, and several high-roller championships at the upper end.

Expected Event Types

While specific events haven’t been announced, the Aussie Millions has traditionally featured a comprehensive mix of poker variants and formats. Players can typically expect No Limit Hold’em tournaments across various buy-in levels, Pot Limit Omaha events, mixed games, and potentially some of the innovative formats that made the series famous.

The series has historically included both freezeout and re-entry tournaments, catering to different player preferences and bankroll management strategies. Satellite tournaments leading up to major events have also been a staple, providing additional paths to the bigger buy-ins.

The Legendary History of Aussie Millions

The Aussie Millions journey began in 1998 as the Crown Australian Poker Championship, starting modestly with just 74 players and a AU$74,000 prize pool. What began as a regional tournament quickly evolved into one of the world’s most respected poker series, earning the nickname “Vegas of the South.”

Growth and Golden Years

The tournament’s growth trajectory was remarkable. By 2003, it had attracted international players and reached 122 entrants with a AU$1.2 million prize pool. The series hit its stride in the mid-2000s, with the 2007 edition setting a then-record with 747 players and a AU$7.47 million prize pool.

The peak came in 2019 when the Main Event attracted a record 822 players, generating AU$8.22 million in prize money. This edition demonstrated the tournament’s international appeal, with more than half the field qualifying through satellite tournaments.

High Roller Innovation

The Aussie Millions pioneered high-stakes tournament poker with groundbreaking events that pushed the boundaries of buy-in levels. The AU$100,000 Challenge, introduced in 2006, was billed as the highest buy-in tournament in poker history at that time.

Even more ambitious was the AU$250,000 Challenge launched in 2011, which attracted poker legends including Phil Ivey, Erik Seidel, and Tom Dwan. These events established the Aussie Millions as a destination for the world’s elite players and created a template that other major series would follow.

The Pandemic Pause and Crown’s Challenges

The 2020 edition would prove to be the final Aussie Millions before the extended hiatus. With 820 players, it nearly matched the all-time record but was held just before the global COVID-19 outbreak changed everything for live poker.

Crown Melbourne faced additional challenges beyond the pandemic, including regulatory investigations and money laundering allegations that resulted in a historic AU$450 million fine. These issues, combined with pandemic restrictions, created uncertainty about the tournament’s future.

The appointment of new leadership, including CEO Ed Domingo in March 2025, has been instrumental in the tournament’s revival. Domingo’s experience with major casino operations and his commitment to restoring Crown’s reputation have been key factors in bringing back the Aussie Millions.

Impact on Online Poker Players

The return of Aussie Millions has particular significance for online poker players, especially those navigating Australia’s restrictive online poker landscape. Since 2017, Australia has been effectively a black market for online poker, creating unique challenges for local players seeking tournament action.

Australia’s Online Poker Blackout

Australia’s online poker situation remains dire for domestic players. Major operators like PokerStars and PartyPoker exited the market in 2017 following the Interactive Gambling Amendment Act. This legislation effectively banned offshore-regulated online gambling, leaving Australian players with no legitimate real-money online poker options.

The blackout means Australian poker players have been cut off from the global online poker ecosystem for nearly seven years. Unlike players in Europe or North America, Australians cannot qualify for major live events through online satellites, access international player pools, or participate in the massive tournament series that define modern poker.

This regulatory isolation makes the Aussie Millions return even more crucial for Australian players. It represents their primary opportunity to compete in a world-class tournament environment without traveling internationally or navigating legal gray areas.

Satellite Uncertainties

The question of online satellites for Aussie Millions 2026 remains unclear. Historically, online qualifiers were crucial to the tournament’s success.

However, the landscape has changed dramatically. PokerStars and 888poker, which previously ran extensive satellite programs for Aussie Millions, no longer operate in Australia. This creates a significant gap in the traditional qualification pathway that helped democratize access to the tournament.

Crown Melbourne may partner with international operators to offer satellite tournaments for players outside Australia. Operators like GGPoker or WPT Global could potentially run qualifier series targeting international players, but Australian residents would be excluded due to regulatory constraints.

Regional Online Poker Opportunities

For players in the broader Asia-Pacific region, nearby online poker in New Zealand offers unrestricted access to major international poker sites. Kiwi players can currently access PokerStars, GGPoker, and other major operators without restriction, providing potential satellite opportunities for Aussie Millions qualification.

The proximity and shared timezone between Australia and New Zealand make this particularly relevant. New Zealand players have historically been strong participants in the Aussie Millions, and with their continued access to online poker, they may represent a significant portion of the international field in 2026.

Live Poker as the Only Option

For Australian players, the Aussie Millions represents something unique: a legitimate, world-class poker tournament accessible without legal complications. While players in other jurisdictions can choose between online and live poker, Australians face a binary choice between unregulated offshore sites or live tournaments.

This dynamic may actually benefit the Aussie Millions by creating pent-up demand among Australian players who have been starved of high-quality tournament action. The six-year hiatus, combined with the online poker blackout, have created conditions where local players are particularly eager for tournament opportunities.

The live-only reality also means Australian players have developed different skills compared to their international counterparts. Without access to online training tools, hand databases, and the volume of play that online poker provides, Australian players may approach tournaments with different strategies and tendencies.

The Broader Regional Impact

The Aussie Millions’ return signals renewed confidence in live poker’s future in the Asia-Pacific region. For players throughout the region who have limited access to major live tournaments, this represents a significant addition to the tournament calendar.

Players from countries like Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations, where online poker faces various restrictions, will likely view Aussie Millions as a premier destination tournament. The combination of prestige, prize pools, and Melbourne’s appeal as a destination creates compelling reasons to travel.

Both GGPoker and WPT Global are accessible in many of these regions, sometimes through third-party poker sites that connect to the global network. An online satellite partnership with these brands would make a lot of sense.

This regional significance extends beyond just poker. The tournament helps establish Melbourne and Australia as serious participants in the global poker ecosystem, potentially paving the way for additional major events and series in the future.

Planning Your Aussie Millions Experience

Crown Melbourne offers a complete destination experience that extends far beyond poker. The integrated resort features three hotels, dozens of restaurants, shopping, entertainment venues, and Australia’s largest casino floor spanning 220,000 square feet.

Accommodation Options

The complex includes over 1,600 rooms across Crown Towers, Crown Promenade, and Crown Metropol. Tournament players often prefer staying on-property for convenience, though Melbourne offers numerous accommodation options throughout the city.

Booking early is essential, as the tournament attracts visitors from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Package deals combining accommodation, dining credits, and tournament entries often provide the best value for serious players planning extended stays.

Melbourne as a Poker Destination

Melbourne’s appeal extends beyond Crown Melbourne’s poker room. The city consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable cities, offering excellent dining, cultural attractions, and entertainment options. The autumn timing allows players to enjoy pleasant weather while exploring Australia’s cultural capital.

The tournament’s April-May schedule avoids Australia’s peak summer season, potentially offering better flight deals and hotel rates for international visitors. This timing also positions the Aussie Millions as a unique stop on the global tournament circuit.

FAQ

When will the 2026 Aussie Millions take place?

The 2026 Aussie Millions will run from April 24 to May 10, 2026, at Crown Melbourne. This represents a change from the traditional January timing that characterized the series before its hiatus.

What are the buy-in levels for Aussie Millions 2026?

Buy-ins will range from AU$1,500 to AU$25,000, with the Main Event maintaining its traditional AU$10,600 price point. The series will feature 18 events across this buy-in spectrum.

How much is the guaranteed prize pool?

Crown Melbourne has guaranteed AU$14 million across the entire series, ensuring substantial prize pools even if field sizes are conservative. This represents significant value for the poker community.

Will there be satellite tournaments for Aussie Millions?

While specific satellite information hasn’t been announced, satellites have historically been crucial for Aussie Millions participation. More than half the 2019 Main Event field qualified through satellites, suggesting similar opportunities will likely be available for 2026.

Why was there a six-year gap between Aussie Millions series?

The series was suspended after 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and regulatory challenges at Crown Melbourne. The casino faced investigations and a AU$450 million fine for anti-money laundering violations, creating additional complications that delayed the tournament’s return.

How does the new timing affect the global tournament calendar?

The April-May timing positions Aussie Millions uniquely on the international poker calendar, potentially avoiding conflicts with European and American series while taking advantage of Melbourne’s pleasant autumn weather.