The Aussie Millions is 7 days away and things are heating up in Melbourne.  The team at the Crown Poker room have been running endless satellites with a rumored 300 unique qualified entries for the prestigious Main Event bringing the prizepool to $1,300,000; according to tournament director Danny McDonaugh.

 

We sat down with Daniel Trubiano, Table Games Casino Manager for Crown Resorts and Project Leader of Aussie Millions. 

Daniel who are your official ambassadors for Aussie Millions this year?

We have three and we are quite excited to have all three. So, obviously, we’ve got two reigning World Series of Poker Main Event winners, one being Joe Hachem a local boy.  We are really happy to have him onboard. We also have Michael Mizrachi the current World Series of Poker Champion and another Aussie cash player, which is Van Marcus who is flying in from Sweden.

 

“Big news – I’m officially joining the Aussie Millions family as their 2026 Ambassador.

This has always been one of the most iconic stops on the global poker circuit, and I couldn’t be more excited to help shape its next chapter.  See you in Melbourne for a massive year of world‑class poker. Let’s make it one to remember.” – Michael Mizrachi

 

 

Will you be live streaming this year?

We will be live streaming as per the schedule.  Most of the final tables, the final table of the 5K. Both days of the 25K, and from day two on-wards of the main event.

 

Is there any other scoop that you can give us about something that may not have been released to the public?

Not yet. I’m still confirming a couple of things. So stay tuned.

 

So there’s more to come?

We’re starting the Aussie Millions in a completely new way this year. For the first time, we’re launching the Aussie Millions Celebrity Challenge for Charity – bringing together world‑class poker players and well‑known Australian celebrities in a one‑off, high‑energy event supporting Street Side Medics, with a $25,000 charitable donation on the line for the winner.

We’ll also host an exclusive Players Party at Lumia Bar on the Poker Room floor that same evening, creating a relaxed, social lead‑in that opens into the tournament and sets the tone for what’s to come.

 

Are you expecting lots of international guests to the Aussie Millions return?

Yes, absolutely – and the level of international interest has been incredibly encouraging. We’ve seen particularly strong engagement from Japan and across the broader Asian region, which has always been a key market for the Aussie Millions. Overall, international interest is tracking well ahead of where we initially expected it to be, which really highlights the global pull of the tournament and the appetite for its return.

 

What are you most excited about in bringing the Aussie millions back, after such a long break?

We are excited about having a marquee event, showing off the resort is probably the main thing. We have lots of improvements throughout the venue.  I’m just really happy that we can showcase the Aussie Millions,  I think it’s one of the best tournament series in the world. The team are all up and about, we have an incredible energy within the team. It’s the best feeling.  I’m really excited.

 

Tell us about Melbourne? What would you tell our international guests?

Melbourne is a fantastic city to visit, and it really shines during the Aussie Millions. Crown is a Melbourne staple and a destination in itself, but the broader city adds to the experience – from its world‑class food and coffee scene to major sporting events and a great overall buzz.

Dining is a big highlight for international guests. Crown is home to some standout venues, including Rockpool Bar & Grill and newer favourites like Kolkata Cricket Club, which has quickly become incredibly popular, it has the best butter chicken in town! For a drink and city views, places like Marmont are perfect for unwinding after a day on the poker floor. Overall, it’s a city that offers plenty to enjoy both on and off the tables.

 

Why should we all come to the Aussie Millions in Melbourne this year?

I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised. We are happy to show off Crown Resorts. We want to show you the new Aussie Millions, the new Crown Poker Room, we have Danny McDonaugh as tournament director, one of the best in the world.   We’re very excited to be back.

We just want people to come in, experience the Melbourne lifestyle, experience what we have to offer across the venue and I think we can sell it as being the next best tournament in the world. We look forward to welcoming everyone.

 

The Aussie Millions team has officially announced the 2026 Aussie Millions Celebrity Challenge for Charity, bringing together the world’s top poker players and well‑known Australian personalities for a special tournament in support of Street Side Medics. The winner will secure a $25,000 charitable donation to the organization, reinforcing Aussie Millions’ commitment to community impact and social responsibility.

On the same day — Thursday, 23 April at 6:30pm — Lumia Bar, located on the Poker Room floor, will host an exclusive Players Party. Capacity is limited, and entry will be managed on a first‑come basis.  The Aussie Millions runs from the 24 April – 10 May 2026 at Crown Casino Melbourne.

 

The Real Poker Girls of Las Vegas podcast is out now, available on all podcast platforms with updates about Aussie Millions.  

https://therealpokergirls.com/las-vegas

Aussie Millions event details:

https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/casino/offers/aussie-millions