Crown Melbourne revives iconic poker tournament after six-year hiatus
Tournament Resumes Following Major Reform at Crown Melbourne
After a six-year absence, the Aussie Millions Poker Championship is officially set to return to Crown Melbourne from 24 April to 10 May 2026. Once a key fixture in the global poker calendar, the tournament was halted in 2020 amid operational and regulatory upheavals at Crown Resorts. Its return signals renewed confidence in the operator’s governance and a positive shift in the company’s future.
The relaunch comes on the heels of significant reform across Crown’s operations, following a period of intense scrutiny over anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism compliance failures that led to a AU$450 million fine. Newly appointed Crown Melbourne CEO Ed Domingo, who replaced Mike Vollert in March 2025, has helped usher in a new era of accountability that earned Crown licence renewal from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).
18 Events, AU$14M Prize Pool and a Revitalised Poker Scene
The 2026 tournament will feature 18 events with buy-ins ranging from AU$1,500 (US$977) to AU$25,000, welcoming both seasoned professionals and recreational players. The Main Event, long regarded as the crown jewel of the competition, returns with a AU$10,600 buy-in and is expected to attract an international field.
The estimated AU$14 million prize pool underscores the prestige and scale of the tournament. While the full schedule is still pending, excitement is building as Crown Melbourne repositions itself as a premium destination for global poker.
A Strategic Move to Reignite Brand and Boost Tourism
Bringing back the Aussie Millions is part of a larger strategy to revitalise Crown’s image and restore Melbourne’s status as a major poker hub. As the largest single-site employer in Victoria, Crown’s revival of marquee events like this also supports the state’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
In Domingo’s words,
“We are thrilled to be welcoming Aussie Millions back… and reestablishing the tournament as a must-visit on the international calendar.” With compliance reforms in place and poker stars expected to return, Aussie Millions 2026 is shaping up as a key milestone in Crown’s resurgence.
