With record-breaking fields already logged across multiple events, including the massive A$1,500 Opening Event, McDonagh said the opening week has delivered more than he anticipated.
"I think the Aussies are proud that it's come back in such a big way."
"Nobody expected the opening event number, that's for sure," McDonagh told PokerNews.
"Coming in, I was kind of nervous because it's been six years since they've done the event, and the staffing is not what it was six years ago. They've done a couple of good build-up championships leading into this, but nobody foresaw these numbers."
The Opening Event ultimately drew 2,144 entries, and strong turnouts followed immediately after. The A$5,000 Six-Max saw 305 entries, while the A$2,500 H.O.R.S.E. recorded its largest field to date.
"To kick off with three record-breaking events is brilliant for the festival," McDonagh said. "It's motivating too."
Players Welcome the Return
Beyond the numbers, McDonagh said one of the biggest positives has been the reaction from players, many of whom were eager to see the Aussie Millions back on the calendar.
"It has a vibe again," he said. "A number of players have said they can feel it."
While large crowds early in the festival led to long registration lines, particularly around the ANZAC Day public holiday, McDonagh said the situation quickly improved.
"ANZAC Day made it tough because the casino couldn't open until midday, so we were under the pump and there were long lines for registrations," he explained. "But we've got through those days, the lines have improved, and players are really supportive. They're so happy for it to come back."
Josh Duce wins Aussie Millions Opening Event
McDonagh believes the return of the series has also sparked pride among the local poker community.
He also pointed to the location continuing to be one of the festival's biggest strengths.
"Destination," he said on what makes the Aussie Millions special.
"The fact you've got a casino right on the edge of the CBD is fabulous any time of the year. When it was in January, the tennis was on, there were major football matches, lots for players to do."
With early success already evident, McDonagh speculated what future editions of the festival could look like.
One improvement he would like to see is more dedicated tournament space, particularly late in events.
"This Ecshostate area is fabulous where we have our last tables," he said. "A nicer, bigger area for when tournaments get down to the pointy end would be great."
He also expects the schedule to grow in future years, with the possibility of additional marquee events.
"I'd like to see more variety of featured events," McDonagh said. "The satellites are fabulous, there's lots of options for players, but building up to maybe 30 major events on the schedule would be great."
With the numbers already posted this year, it's easy to believe that there will be little trouble filling seats if the festival expands.
Did You Know?
Poker legends Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu both won WSOP bracelets in the Echostate room at the inaugural WSOP Asia-Pacific in 2013. Ivey won his ninth bracelet in the $2,200 Mixed Event before Negreanu went on to win the Main Event for bracelet #5.
Main Event Expectations Building
As attention turns toward the A$10,600 Main Event, McDonagh acknowledged that predicting turnout remains difficult, but he expects strong participation.
"Coming into it, hoping for 500 or above was the target," he said. "If we hit 600, the casino's super happy."
McDonagh believes One key factor working in the event's favor is its single-entry format, which he says creates a more level playing field.
"It's one bullet, which I think is so good in what's happening to the poker world at the moment, to have a championship with a single bullet" he said. "For players who satellited in and can't afford a second buy-in, it's an even field for everybody."
With international players continuing to arrive and local interest strong, McDonagh believes the foundation has been laid for the festival's long-term return. And after the early numbers already delivered, expectations for what comes next are only growing.
Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game.
Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
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