Checking In With The 2018 Aussie Millions

The 2011 Aussie Millions started almost a week ago while much of the poker world was still focused on the PCA in the Bahamas, but now the press is all down under as another of the year’s most popular poker tournaments heats up. This year’s Aussie Millions is comprised of 20 events with buy-ins ranging from $500+$50 to $100,000+$500.

The first three events – the No Limit Hold’em opening event, the PokerPro No Limit Hold’em Shootout and the Pot Limit Shootout – have already been decided and today saw the beginning of the 8 Game Mixed Event and the end of the regular No Limit Hold’em Shootout. Every day from here on out will feature action from at least two events with some days playing host to up to four consecutive competitions.

Echoing the positive note struck at this year’s PCA, thus far the Aussie Millions has been posting some of its best numbers. Event #1: NL Hold’em had 1,000 entries. The event does allow for first day rebuys, but it still boasted of 726 individual competitors. Australian player Martin Drewe scored one for the home team by taking the title and the AUD $200,000 first prize in Event #1. On the same day, South African pro Jarred Solomon netted top honors in Event #2 for a more modest prize of AUD $10,080. Event #3: PL Omaha also went to the Aussies with native pro Sean Dunwoodie pocketing the first place payout of AUD $37,750.

We can now also confirm the results of Event #4: NL Hold’em Shootout. A total of 158 players ponied up, and there was nary an American pro at the final table. Though this event’s action was dominated by English pros, ultimately it was the sole Dane, Soren Blanner, that finished on top for a payout of AUD $37,920. Event #5: 8-Game Mixed is also well underway. In fact, a final table has already been set. Here’s the top seven going into tomorrow: 

1. Daniel Ospina – 186,700
2. Bruno Portaro – 104,400
3. Oliver Gill – 98,600
4. Dane Coltman – 89,200
5. Casey Kastle – 87,500
6. Paul Ravesi – 63,900
7. Richard Ashby – 59,300

If you’re scratching your head at the absence of recognizable pros then rest assured you’ll be seeing more familiar names when the bigger buy-in events – including the $100,000 Challenge on Saturday and the start of the Main Event on Sunday – kick off. As it stands, we can confirm that European prodigy Annette Obrestad is already there as is the always charismatic Mike Matusow.

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