button in SafariSascha Manns Wins First 2026 Aussie Millions Title, Dedicates Emotional Victory to Malta Poker Fish
Sascha Manns lifted the first trophy of the 2026 Aussie Millions at Crown Melbourne, but the celebration came with an emotional tribute.
Moments after securing victory in the $2,500 H.O.R.S.E., Manns dedicated the win to Antoine Degiorgio, known throughout the mixed-games world as "Malta Poker Fish," a beloved figure in the Malta poker scene who recently suffered serious health complications.
"Unfortunately he had a heart attack and didn't have oxygen for a long time," Manns said. "He's created a legacy there in Malta with taking care of players, telling them where tournaments are, where to go, where to eat. He's a lovely soul, and I hope he can get back from it."
"This win is dedicated to all the people who have health issues and play poker and overcome it by having a community around them," he said. "Good luck to all of these people."
$2,500 H.O.R.S.E. Payouts
| Place | Player | Prize (AUS$) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sascha Manns | $34,508* |
| 2 | Gary Benson | $28,584* |
| 3 | Van Marcus | $25,468* |
| 4 | Michelle Guzzandi | $13,680 |
| 5 | John Lombardo | $11,160 |
| 6 | Alex Tchong | $9,380 |
| 7 | Matthew Ginn | $8,280 |
| 8 | Nathanial Hutton | $7,200 |
| 9 | Jiang Pu | $5,760 |
The German mixed-games regular topped a 64-entry field to win A$34,508 from the A$144,000 prize pool after agreeing to a three-way deal with Gary Benson and Aussie Millions ambassador Van Marcus.
Benson secured A$28,584, while Marcus locked up A$25,468 before play continued for the trophy.
The event proved popular from the outset and was originally scheduled as a one-day tournament. However, the strong turnout forced organizers to extend play into a second day, with 18 players returning on Sunday chasing nine paid positions.
The bubble burst on Day 2 before the field quickly played down to a final table. Manns, who began the day as chip leader, remained a constant presence near the top of the counts throughout.
After the three-way deal was reached, Manns wasted little time on seizing the trophy. He first eliminated Marcus, then closed out the tournament against Benson in Omaha Hi-Lo, winning the final hand with a flush-over-flush to secure the title and the first trophy of the 2026 Aussie Millions.
Manns arrived in Melbourne already riding a wave of success after capturing the H.O.R.S.E. Championship title at the Irish Open just weeks earlier.
"Running hot as shit," revealed Manns on what his recipe for success has been. "I'm just hitting everything. I mean, I know what I'm doing, but I run really hot at the moment."
The trip to Australia had been a long time coming, both geographically and financially.
"I was watching Aussie Millions on TV for years, sweating the Germans playing here," Manns said. "It always felt far away, and far away from my wallet as well."
Now, with the opportunity finally within reach, he wasted no time making the most of it.
"Suddenly I had the resources and the time to come here," he said. "And the first tournament I play here, I win. I was a bit emotional for a moment there — I still am — but yeah, that was nice."
The journey itself was no small undertaking, with Manns traveling from Germany to Melbourne via Thailand before taking his seat in the festival’s opening mixed-game event.