A favorite stop of many pros on the poker tournament trail, the Aussie Millions is set to kick off just a few months from now at the Crown Casino Resort, situated in the heart of Melbourne. The main event, a $10,500 AUD buy-in no-limit texas hold'em tournament, is expected to attract a record crowd of over 1,000 entrants and touts a guaranteed $1 million dollar first prize. The festivities commence on Saturday, January 5 with a two-day, $1,100 AUD buy-in no-limit hold'em contest.
What is now the Southern Hemisphere's premier poker event started in July of 1998 as a $1,000 buy-in limit hold'em tournament that attracted just 74 players. Formerly known as 'The Crown Australian Poker Championship,' the Aussie Millions has grown exponentially since 2003 and last year drew a tournament record 747 entrants, generating a prize pool of over $7 million AUD. Gus Hansen, then new kid on the block amongst Full Tilt sponsored pros, took down the crown, in a come-from-behind victory over online phenom Jimmy 'gobboboy' Fricke, earning a $1.5 million dollar (AUD) payday.
Event sponsor Full Tilt Poker (FTP) is going "all-out" for the 2008 version of the event, offering the trip of a lifetime to those who qualify for the main event via satellite on their online poker software. FTP is currently offering five different ways to win a coveted $18,000 Aussie Millions package, which includes ten nights stay at the Crown Promenade Hotel, roundtrip airfare for two from Los Angeles to Melbourne, and the opportunity to take part in a multitude of activities alongside the pros. On its website, Full Tilt boasts private golf outings, a tour of the Rochford Wines winery, a trip to the Melbourne Zoo and a private dinner cruise as a few of the perks satellite winners can look forward to during their stay in Australia.
While the crown jewel of the Aussie Millions is, of course, the main event, the 2008 championship schedule is peppered with an exciting line-up of cash tournaments. Other events on the sixteen-day schedule include the Australian Heads-up Championship, a bounty tournament and a $100,000 buy-in Hold'em tournament, to satisfy those with an appetite for high stakes poker. The Crown will also host a Pot-limit Crazy Pineapple tournament and the Australian 2-card Manila Championship.
Satellites are currently running around the clock on Full Tilt, affording hopefuls plenty of time to procure a seat. The main event, which begins Monday, January 14, will be filmed for an international audience by Fox Sports Net and broadcast later in the year; the final table will be played on Sunday, January 20. For entry forms, a complete schedule of events and travel information, check out aussiemillions.com.
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