When the Aussie Hundreds of thousands Poker Championship 2026 Offered by CrownBet was introduced final yr after a six-year absence, there was optimism across the sequence comeback. However even veteran event director Danny McDonagh admits the early numbers have gone past what anybody anticipated.
With record-breaking fields already logged throughout a number of occasions, together with the large A$1,500 Opening Occasion, McDonagh mentioned the opening week has delivered greater than he anticipated.
“I believe the Aussies are proud that it is come again in such a giant method.”
“No one anticipated the opening occasion quantity, that is for certain,” McDonagh informed PokerNews.
“Coming in, I used to be sort of nervous as a result of it has been six years since they’ve completed the occasion, and the staffing just isn’t what it was six years in the past. They’ve completed a few good build-up championships main into this, however no one foresaw these numbers.”
The Opening Occasion in the end drew 2,144 entries, and powerful turnouts adopted instantly after. The A$5,000 Six-Max noticed 305 entries, whereas the A$2,500 H.O.R.S.E. recorded its largest area to this point.
“To kick off with three record-breaking occasions is good for the pageant,” McDonagh mentioned. “It is motivating too.”
Gamers Welcome the Return
Past the numbers, McDonagh mentioned one of many greatest positives has been the response from gamers, a lot of whom have been desirous to see the Aussie Hundreds of thousands again on the calendar.
“It has a vibe once more,” he mentioned. “A variety of gamers have mentioned they will really feel it.”
Whereas massive crowds early within the pageant led to lengthy registration strains, significantly across the ANZAC Day public vacation, McDonagh mentioned the state of affairs shortly improved.
“ANZAC Day made it robust as a result of the on line casino could not open till noon, so we have been underneath the pump and there have been lengthy strains for registrations,” he defined. “However we have by means of these days, the strains have improved, and gamers are actually supportive. They’re so comfortable for it to return again.”
McDonagh believes the return of the sequence has additionally sparked satisfaction among the many native poker group.
“I believe the Aussies are proud that it is come again in such a giant method,” he mentioned. “They have been nice.”
He additionally pointed to the placement persevering with to be one of many pageant’s greatest strengths.
“Vacation spot,” he mentioned on what makes the Aussie Hundreds of thousands particular.
“The actual fact you’ve got received a on line casino proper on the sting of the CBD is fabulous any time of the yr. When it was in January, the tennis was on, there have been main soccer matches, tons for gamers to do.”
For the First Time in Six Years, Playing cards Are within the Air for Aussie Hundreds of thousands
Wanting Forward to Future Editions
With early success already evident, McDonagh speculated what future editions of the pageant may appear like.
One enchancment he wish to see is extra devoted event area, significantly late in occasions.
“This Ecshostate space is fabulous the place now we have our final tables,” he mentioned. “A nicer, greater space for when tournaments get right down to the sharp finish can be nice.”
He additionally expects the schedule to develop in future years, with the opportunity of extra marquee occasions.
“I would prefer to see extra number of featured occasions,” McDonagh mentioned. “The satellites are fabulous, there’s numerous choices for gamers, however constructing as much as perhaps 30 main occasions on the schedule can be nice.”
With the numbers already posted this yr, it is easy to imagine that there will probably be little bother filling seats if the pageant expands.
Did You Know?
Poker legends Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu each received WSOP bracelets within the Echostate room on the inaugural WSOP Asia-Pacific in 2013. Ivey received his ninth bracelet within the $2,200 Blended Occasion earlier than Negreanu went on to win the Predominant Occasion for bracelet #5.
Predominant Occasion Expectations Constructing
As consideration turns towards the A$10,600 Predominant Occasion, McDonagh acknowledged that predicting turnout stays tough, however he expects robust participation.
“Coming into it, hoping for 500 or above was the goal,” he mentioned. “If we hit 600, the on line casino’s tremendous comfortable.”
McDonagh believes One key issue working within the occasion’s favor is its single-entry format, which he says creates a extra degree enjoying area.
“It is one bullet, which I believe is so good in what’s taking place to the poker world in the meanwhile, to have a championship with a single bullet” he mentioned. “For gamers who satellited in and might’t afford a second buy-in, it is an excellent area for everyone.”
With worldwide gamers persevering with to reach and native curiosity robust, McDonagh believes the muse has been laid for the pageant’s long-term return. And after the early numbers already delivered, expectations for what comes subsequent are solely rising.
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2026 Aussie Hundreds of thousands Winners
Occasion #1: $1,500 Opening Event2,144$2,787,200Josh Duce$438,400
Occasion #2: $2,500 H.O.R.S.E.64$144,000Sascha Manns$34,508*
Occasion #5: $1,500 Hyper Turbo NLHE138$179,400Joshua Cram$46,640
*signifies three-way deal
2026 Aussie Hundreds of thousands Full Schedule
Calum Grant
Senior Editor & Dwell Occasions Govt
Calum has written for numerous poker retailers however discovered his house at PokerNews, the place he has contributed to varied articles and reside updates, offering insights and reporting on main poker occasions, together with the World Collection of Poker (WSOP).
