The poker action centres on Australia this weekend as the A$10 500 buy-in NLHE main event of the Aussie Millions live poker championship gets started Sunday.
Last year's entry field of 780 is expected to be surpassed in the 2009 edition of this popular event, attracting players from around the world and generating a multi-million dollar prize pool.
Last year's pool was almost A$8 million and final table survivors all took home at least six-figure payouts. Winner Alexander Kostritsyn collected a first prize check for $1 650 000, and his heads up opponent Erik Seidel picked up a million Aussie dollars for his second placing. The cash bubble extended down to the 81st player.
The Aussie Millions was first offered in 1998 and has continued to grow in numbers and stature ever since. It is traditionally held at the Crown Casino, and claims to be the fifth largest poker tourney outside the United States.