Opening in Style

The opening ceremonies for the 2009 Aussie Millions Main Event were a lavish affair. The players were first treated to a slick video montage of the 2008 Aussie Millions Main Event on the large, five-by-five panel of television screens that take up one wall of the Crown Poker Room. The montage lasted for about three minutes and finished with the screen fading to black, asking the question "Who will be crowned the 2009 Aussie Millions champion?"

With two showgirls sauntering through the room, the players were then treated to a song-and-dance version of Lady GaGa's "Poker Face," complete with six harlequin-costumed back up dancers. Crown staff mounted the stage after the performance was complete to bring the players a quick Q-and-A with Brian McFadden, whose goal for today is, "To last until at least Level 4."

The Main Event couldn't be complete without a few words from last year's champion, Alexander "The Great" Kostritsyn. "Hello, Australia," said Kostritsyn. "Thank you for remembering me." As if Australia could forget him.

Then local hero and recent "Australian Poker Legend" Joe Hachem took over the microphone. After saying a few words on the amazing growth of the Aussie Millions, he issued a challenge to his countrymen. "I think it's about time an Aussie took home the title," said Hachem. "Get your acts together!"