blonde poker

Oy-Oy-Oy?

Those were the deafening chants at last year's World Series, but, on their own turf, it was New Zealander Lee Nelson who was to take the glory. Tournament veteran and co-author of 'Kill Phil', Nelson fended off a final table of predominantly unknown faces to take the coveted prize of $972,000.

Due to a combination of the recent poker boom and the success of Australia's own Joe Hachem, this year's Aussie Millions at the Crown Casino in Melbourne attracted a vast field of 418. The attraction? The $10,000 main event which amassed an incredible pot of in excess of 3 million dollars.

With 48 players paid, it was unsurprising to see the odd famous face taking home a cheque. Tony Bloom, Michael Gratz, and Antonio Esfandiari all cashed, with the latter placing the highest with his 11 th place finish. Willie Tann also took home a share of the spoils, but this was surely a drop in the ocean when compared to the 70k he won for his runner-up placing in the $3000 Omaha rebuy.

Alas, with Jeff Sealey holding the chip lead, the final day was to be dominated by a host of relatively unfamiliar faces. However, there was no doubt that these guys could play with each fully deserving their final table seat.

In the end, the final 3 battling it out were Nelson, and two young guns in Robert Neary and Nenad Medic. With Nelson eliminating Medic in 3rd, Neary was at a severe chip disadvantage. Eventually, this mountain proved too big an obstacle for the young American, and Nelson was crowned the victor and Aussie Millions Champion.

Melbourne provided its players with a highly successful event, and one which has justifiably become the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Nelson goes home almost a million dollars richer and the rest are left with the bitter taste of 'So near, yet so far'.

The final 10 finished as follows: