WPN
By Rebbecca Scales & Tatiana Fox
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, live entertainment and gaming worldwide reached a standstill, and poker was no exception. The vibrant poker scene in Australia temporarily paused as venues closed and tournaments were put on hold. Now, as the industry rebuilds, one thing is clear: poker has come back stronger, more resilient, and with a renewed focus on players and responsible gaming. Leading the way is Crown Melbourne, home to the celebrated Victorian Poker Championship (VPC), which made a triumphant return post-pandemic.
The Pandemic’s Impact
During 2020 and 2021, government-mandated restrictions temporarily closed casinos and suspended live events. The impact was significant—regular tournaments were postponed, and poker rooms across the country were placed on hold. For players and poker fans, the temporary pause was deeply felt, but it also sparked anticipation for the game’s eventual return.
Evolving with the Times: A New Era for Poker
As venues reopened and players returned, the gaming landscape entered a new phase marked by modernised practices and an enhanced focus on safety, compliance, and customer experience. Across the industry, a series of regulatory updates helped to guide this transformation.
Crown Melbourne embraced this evolution by implementing updated procedures that ensure a more secure, transparent, and responsible gaming environment. These changes have helped position Crown—and poker more broadly—as a key part of Australia’s dynamic entertainment sector.
From improved player engagement to streamlined tournament operations and strengthened operational protocols, the result is a poker experience that maintains the excitement of the game while aligning with community expectations and best practices.
The Driving Force: Nick Whitaker’s Passion for Poker
At the heart of poker’s revival at Crown Melbourne is Nick Whitaker, Table Games Casino Manager, whose passion for the game and dedication to players have been instrumental in its return. Whitaker has taken a hands-on, personal approach to reconnecting with the poker community.
We caught up with Nick at the recent Victorian Poker Championships and were able to ask him a few questions.
How was the series, how were the numbers?
Well it’s blown our expectations out of the water. We are 40% up on our estimations, which is our best expectations. The player support we’ve had from the room is at an all time high. Our headline tournament structures have been really well sort after. It’s been fantastic.
Will there be more tournament series at Crown?
I don’t know but think both me and you are hoping there will be an announcement in the very near future of an old fashion major series coming back.
The numbers are great, the poker room is great, everyone is excited, it’s looking good?
I think the real difference to this tournament to other tournaments is the players and the coaching and development of our staff. Like I said we have a very young crew here that have not done a major tournament series in 6 years the players have just been amazing to our staff. The dealers are showing real personality at the tables. A lot of the new dealers have been very apprehensive about it but the players have made the entire tournament series.
With the looming excitement of a major announcement what do you want the international players to know about the amazing poker room here at Crown in Melbourne?
We have so much to offer here. I think our internationals just bring a real flavour. The USA players have always been stars. We have our very own Joe Hachem here, so guys come on over and show us what real celebrities are.
The Victorian Poker Championship Returns
The Victorian Poker Championship—one of Australia’s most iconic poker events—returned in 2023 to strong support and energy. With impressive attendance numbers, competitive prize pools, and a welcoming atmosphere, the VPC showed that the appetite for live poker is stronger than ever.
Players from across the country filled Crown’s poker room, creating an electric environment that balanced the intensity of tournament play with the camaraderie of a shared passion. The event ran seamlessly, highlighting Crown’s operational excellence and its commitment to delivering world-class experiences.
The Victorian Poker Championship Main Event prize pool hit a staggering $1,779,750 with $373,720 for 1st place. Congratulations to Liam Jehu for taking the title of the Victorian Poker Champion Main Event 2025 and outlasting a massive field of 791 entries to claim the $373,720 along with the coveted Main Event trophy.
Looking Ahead
With its foundations now stronger than ever, the future of poker at Crown Melbourne looks incredibly bright. Continued investment in tournaments, innovation in game formats, and a deep commitment to player engagement set the stage for even greater things to come.
As Crown continues to evolve with the industry, poker remains a vital part of the entertainment offering, bringing together new and seasoned players in an environment built on integrity, energy, and excitement.
Conclusion
Australia’s poker community has shown incredible resilience, and nowhere is that more evident than at Crown Melbourne. Crown has reaffirmed its place at the heart of Australian poker thanks to forward-thinking leadership, updated operating practices, and a deep respect for the game and its players. With champions crowned, chips stacked, and cards back in the air, the return of the Victorian Poker Championship marks not just a comeback but the beginning of a bold new chapter.
Throughout the Victorian Poker Championship, Mr Whitaker made a point of personally thanking players for their loyalty and support. His enthusiasm for poker’s future at Crown is clear.
“Seeing the community come back together like this is incredibly rewarding,” he shared. “We’re just getting started.”
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Great article. Sure makes me want to come.
There may be some ways, we are working on it. Stay Tuned. Also thank you for always supporting us.