blog image

After a six-year absence, the iconic Aussie Millions Poker Series is staging a triumphant comeback at Crown Melbourne from April 24 to May 10, 2026, marking a major revival in the international poker calendar. Previously held to great acclaim through 2020, the tournament experienced an indefinite pause due to the pandemic, regulatory turmoil, and a halt on poker at Crown—factors that eroded its presence long before 2023 rulings formally shuttered the series.

Crown CEO Ed Domingo captured the significance of the announcement, expressing palpable enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Aussie Millions back to Crown Melbourne after six years. The return of Aussie Millions is not just a celebration of poker, it’s a celebration of Crown and the world-class experiences we offer our guests.”

The 2026 series will include 18 events, highlighted by the AUD 10,600 (~US 6,900) Main Event, and is projected to award around AUD 14 million (approx. US 9 million) in total prize money. Buy-ins will span from AUD 1,500 (~US 970) to AUD 25,000 (~US 16,000), catering to both recreational players and high-stakes competitors.

For decades, the Aussie Millions held a special place in poker lore. Since its inception in 1998 with just 74 players and a modest AUD 74,000 prize pool, it evolved into the Southern Hemisphere’s premier poker festival – regularly drawing 700+ entries and featuring High Roller events that attracted legends like Phil Ivey and Gus Hansen.

The hiatus followed a wave of challenges: the COVID‑19 pandemic sparked Crown’s shutdown of tournament poker in early 2020, while subsequent government inquiries uncovered major governance and money‑laundering issues, leading regulators to clamp down on Crown's operations. The end of the Aussie Millions was confirmed in 2023, frustrating fans and pros alike.

Yet in late 2023 and into 2024, signs of revival emerged. Crown quietly reintroduced weekly tournament poker and sparked rumors of a full series return. These whispers have now been confirmed – with 2026 on the table – reawakening hopes amongst poker communities who’ve long awaited this beloved festival.

Beyond a simple poker revival, the Aussie Millions' return symbolizes Crown’s broader rehabilitation. It underscores the casino’s restored ability to host major international events under stricter governance and renewed confidence from both players and regulators.

Looking ahead, Crown is expected to release a full tournament schedule and registration information in the months leading up to the event. Meanwhile, players, sponsors, and poker fans worldwide can mark their calendars for what may be one of the 2026 poker season’s most anticipated highlights.