The final table is set in the $25,000 Challenge at the Aussie Millions Poker Championship 2026 Presented by CrownBet, and all eyes will be on Kei Tanaka as he looks to convert a dominant chip lead into the biggest result of his poker career.
After a blistering Day 2 that saw the Japanese actor surge from a late-registration stack of 300,000 to a commanding 8,450,000, Tanaka returns with more than double the chips of his nearest rival and firm control of the final table.
However, Tanaka will have his work cut out for him as he will be surrounded by a table full of Australian poker talent, including Luke Martinelli (1,705,000) to his direct left and arguably the most accomplished player at the table, Matthew Wakeman (3,950,000), who boasts over $2,300,000 in live-tournament earnings and multiple titles across various poker festivals.
Final Table Seat Draw
| Seat | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|
| 1 | Michael Egan | Australia | 3,650,000 | 61 |
| 2 | Hieu Nguyen | Vietnam | 1,260,000 | 21 |
| 3 | Matthew Wakeman | Australia | 3,950,000 | 66 |
| 4 | Joe Sandaev | Australia | 2,300,000 | 38 |
| 5 | Andy Lee | Australia | 4,160,000 | 69 |
| 6 | Aaron Li | Australia | 2,080,000 | 35 |
| 7 | Josh Hutchins | Australia | 1,850,000 | 31 |
| 8 | Kei Tanaka | Japan | 8,450,000 | 141 |
| 9 | Luke Martinelli | Australia | 1,705,000 | 28 |
Each finalist has locked up a minimum of $75,265 AUD from the $2,352,000 AUD prize pool, but the focus now shifts to the $652,670 AUD top prize and the Aussie Millions title.
Final Table Payouts
| Place | Payout (AUD) |
|---|
| 1 | $652,670 |
| 2 | $405,720 |
| 3 | $264,600 |
| 4 | $209,330 |
| 5 | $162,290 |
| 6 | $132,890 |
| 7 | $111,720 |
| 8 | $92,905 |
| 9 | $75,265 |
The final table is set to get underway at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time and play down to a winner. Play will resume on Level 18, which features 30,000/60,000 blinds with a 60,000 big blind ante. Levels will continue to last 60 minutes each and breaks will be held after every two levels.
Live stream coverage of the final table will be available on a 30-minute delay on the Crown Resorts YouTube page.
With an average stack of about 50 big blinds to start the day, no real short stacks in play, and a table filled with poker talent, the finale of the $25,000 Challenge is shaping up for a long but thrilling conclusion.
Be sure to stick with PokerNews as we continue to bring you all the action right up until the last card is dealt and the latest Aussie Millions $25k Challenge champion is crowned.
Tags:
Aaron LiAndy LeeAussie MillionsBig BlindsHieu NguyenJoe SandaevJosh HutchinsKei TanakaLuke MartinelliMatthew WakemanMichael Egan
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