2009 Aussie Millions

Day 1 completed

Posted 01-26-2009 21:15 GMT+11

Thanks Aussie Millions, See You Next Year!

That wraps up our coverage from the Crown Casino in Melbourne as the 2009 Aussie Millions comes to a close. It's been a helluva two and a half weeks as we've crowned a diverse range of champions and kept the $2 million Main Event booty down under for the very first time. It's been a tiring few weeks but we've had a fantastic time bringing these events to you back home.

On behalf of the PokerNews team we'd like to thank Jonno Pittock and his staff for their professionalism and hospitality. The Aussie Millions is truly one of the premiere events on the poker calendar and we look forward to 2010 being bigger and better than ever.

From 2 Card Manila to Manila in the Philippines, our next stop is the Asian Poker Tour from Manila which kicks off in only a few (much needed) sleeps! We look forward to you joining us once again.

Until then, so long from Australia!

Billy "The Croc" Argyros Wins Event #18: 2 Card Manila Australian Championships (AU$18,040)

In a fitting end to the 2009 Aussie Millions, and on Australia Day, one of the biggest personalities in Australian poker Billy "The Croc" Argyros has captured the final Gold Ring of the championships with his victory here today in the 2 Card Manila Australian Championships.

While 2 Card Manila is not the best known event, Billy put on a show for the folks on the rail today after a slow start to overpower then chip leader Paul Ravesi with a combination of a few Baileys, some sharp wit, a little karaoke, and some good play. He takes home AU$18,040 but in his words "It's not about the money, it's about the Gold Ring!"

Tags: Billy Argyros, The Croc.

Joe Meissner Eliminated in 2nd Place (AU$12,095); Billy "The Croc" Argyros Wins!

Joe Meissner was able to double up twice but couldn't make it third time lucky. The chips were in with the on board.

Crocky:
Meissner:

The board ran out and Crocky makes the best hand to capture the title! Joe Meissner battled as the short stack for long periods today and after a courageous tournament he finishes in 2nd place for AU$12,095.

Tags: Joe Meissner.

Meissner Crippled

The first hand of heads up play saw a raise from Billy "The Croc" Argyros before a reraise from Joe Meissner on the first community card which was the . Crocky called and then called again when the fell.

Crocky took over the lead when the peeled off before both players checked the turn. The river brought the and Crocky's bet was called by Meissner.

Crocky tabled for the rivered flush as Meissner sighed and flashed the before tossing his cards into the muck.

With that pot Meissner is down to his last 1,500 in chips as this one is nearly all over.

Tags: Billy Argyros, Joe Meissner.

Heads-Up Chip Counts

The heads-up contest sees the singing, dancing crocodile well out in front.

Billy Argyros - 52,000
Joe Meissner - 9,500

Paul Ravesi Eliminated in 3rd Place (AU$7,175)

Paul Ravesi's last chips were in the pot after Joe Meissner had led the betting with the board reading .

Ravesi tabled for two pair but Meissner's were well in front. The turn was the and river the to improve Meissner to a full house and end the spiraling run of Paul Revesi in 3rd place for AU$7,175.

Tags: Joe Meissner, Paul Ravesi.

Crocky Controlling the Virus

The battle between Paul Ravesi and Billy "The Croc" Argyros has certainly heated up with Crocky continuing to get the upper hand.

Ravesi seems determined to try and bully Crocky with aggression but it's backfiring at the moment. In a recent pot the board was reading and Ravesi fired a bet on the river as Crocky sat back and gave the decision some thought. He made the call and Ravesi open-mucked to the delight of Crocky who chirped "You can't even beat a drunk!"

Crocky didn't let up as Ravesi was crippled in a hand with the board reading . Ravesi bet the river and Crocky raised with Ravesi making the call.

Crocky tabled for the full house and Ravesi flashed the and angrily mucked. After being a big chip leader, Ravesi is now the short stack with 4,000 chips.

Baileys and Break

"The Croc" has knocked back another Baileys and is currently singing. He's certainly drowned out the sound of Paul Ravesi who has been forced back into his shell.

The singing crocodile is up to 35,500, with Ravesi on 20,000 and Meissner on 6,000 as they take a ten-minute break.

Crocky Finds Some Bite

Recent eliminations have seen Mark Scott bust out in 6th place, Peter Bowen on bubble in 5th place and Kerry Stead our first cash winner in 4th place for AU$3,690.

Meanwhile Billy "The Croc" Arygros has found some voice after having a few drinks and collecting a few pots against Paul Ravesi.

In a recent pot the two were sparring with each on a board of when Crocky called for the board to pair. The fell and Ravesi bet out with Crocky just flat calling. Ravesi showed for the straight, but Crocky flipped for the full house to the disgust of Ravesi.

"You hit a four-outer and I hit a four-outer, what's the problem?" laughed Crocky. He's up to 35,000 with Ravesi down to 21,000 while Joe Meissner is hanging on with the short stack with about 5,000.

Tags: Billy Argyros, Paul Ravesi.