AUSSIE MILLIONS 2008 - THE INTERNATIONALS

THE CROWN AUSSIE MILLIONS 2007
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?

Poker is more than a 21st Century boom. It is an Aussie battlers’ institution come good. A piece of our national heritage that has come out of the cupboard into a highly competitive and lucrative recreation.
Poker is now the highest paid individual sporting event? in the world (eat your heart out Golf and Tennis)?
The home of Poker in Australasia is now the Crown Casino Melbourne and the Competition Classic is the Crown Aussie Millions. So, “Who is coming to this Million Dollar Dinner” at Crown for the Aussie Millions, Melbourne Australia, Saturday 5 January to Friday 20 January 2007? Your guess is as good as mine but perhaps they will be amongst the following name players who have visited before and those who are thinking of coming.
THE INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

The top seeds who may play are

Aaron Bartley USA
Well-performed young Full Tilt player with good record 05/06.

Newcomer being tested in this field. Alan Boston - USA
Full Tilt player who has picked up some nice cash over the last few years.

Massive USD2.392 million win in 2006 WPT puts him up amongst the chances in this field. Alan Goodrum –UK
A relative newcomer to world poker who has starred in the recent 2006 New Zealand Championship and the Victorian Crown Championships.
Allen Cunningham USA
This rising young player took out the $5K 7 card stud at the WSOP 2001, Deuce to seven 2002 and made it three bracelets in three different disciplines $1500 NLHE in 2005. He capped this with a $3.628 Million 4th in the 2006 WSOP. Allen is currently 3rd on the 2006 World Money List at USD4.161 Million. No free lessons here!

Features in Omaha and Stud but can handle the Holdem events. Has the experience to feature. Andy Black - Ireland
Well-performed Irish pro with recent USD100K WSOP NLHE.
Andy Bloch USA
Andy is a very well regarded American poker pro who has made 12 cash finishes in 2006. His recent $1 million win in the WSOP 2006 HORSE event followed by the $500K at the Vegas Pro Am enhance this reputation. Currently 29th in the World 2006 Money List.
Anna Wroblewski
One of the rookies of the year for 2007. Will be tested in this field. Annie Duke USA
Everybody in Poker knows Annie Duke. She now ranks first in the all time money WSOP ladies’ list. She has been in pro poker since 1994. Her biggest win was $2 million in the 2004 WSOP TOC and her latest $51K in the 2006 WSOP Main event. She is now a poker legend with much more to offer in the future.
Antonio Esfandiari - USA
First came into the pro circuit in 2002. He has been a featured Pokerstars player thru 2006. Visited Australia in 2006 for the Crown Main event and dropped out just short of the final table. More to come from this player in 2007.
Barney Boatman UK
Part of the Aussie Millions from the beginning and star of the first Ashes. Barney and "The Mob" have a reciprocal agreement with PNW and list all results on The Mob Data Base. Thanks Barney. Barry Greenstein USA
Barry Greenstein USA
Barry is a top ranked American pro player with 72 cash finishes since 1992, nine of them over $100/200K and two in the $millions. 2004 WSOP Bracelet. Top performance in the 2006 Aussie Millions at the Speed Challenge and running in form since. Feature player in the Big Game and generous charity sponsor. Look for him on the final tables.
Ben Roberts – UK
Strong Euro performance commencing2001 Amsterdam Classis NLHE 72K, 04 Paris PLO 1st $100K and WPT NLHE 124K with a 2005 5 Diamond $143K.
Berry Johnston – USA
Veteran player with consistent record since major 1982 WSOP NLHE 3rd for $104K.
Blair Rodman - USA
Top international poker player, administrator and author he has been on the circuit for 25 years with many creditable results including 2nd the WPT 2005 NLHE for USD327K. Third time visit to Oz in 2007 augers well for the big one.
Carlos Mortensen – Spain
This guy is a very serious challenge to the Aussie Millions main event. Winner 2001 WSOP Main event USD1.5M, 2003 WSOP LHE USD251K, 2004 PLHE USD117K, 2006 HORSE UDS53K and 2006 TCI USD139K he has qualified well in Europe and America and comes to Australia in what seems top form. A player to watch.
Chris Ferguson – USA
One of the world’s best known and most colourful players. Currently 16th in the all-time Money List. WSOP world Champion 2000 for USD1.5M he has since taken out many WPT events and the WSOP Circuit 2005. He is a successful player with a popular image and should star in the TV replays. One of the favourites for the main event.
Clonie Gowan – USA
Top Lady Team Full Tilt pro who has played all over the world since WPT 2002. 2004 winner WPT Ladies USD25K, 2005 WSOP cash finish main event 14K and 5 Diamond Classic 4th USD33K and a good 2006 with two cash finishes WSOP with the Full Tilt showdown 3rd USD120K. Looks good (as always) for the 2007 Millions. Dan Alspach – USA
Another top American pro who has been featured since 1991. Latest wins include Bellagio 2005 USD200K and the Crown Vic Hi Stakes HE 2006 for AUD52K. Sure to feature somewhere. Dan Harrington USA
WATML 15th at USD6.545 million speaks for itself. He will bring a wealth of poker experience to the Millions.
Daniel Negreanu – Canada
Daniel, from Canada, is one of the most popular and successful younger player in the tournament world today. (Tam loves him) He follows a successful 8 years with a recent TOC Vegas 2006 win of USD325K preceded by his success at the 2006 WSOP circuit USD755K not to mention the WSOP open 2005 for USD384. A very talented player at the top of his profession, he will feature strongly at the Millions.
David Chiu – USA
Team Tilt player with a very consistent record over the last ten years including 1998 WSOP NLHE 1st $205K, 02 WSOPLHE 206K, 04 WSOP NLHE $122K, 05 WSOP OHL 1st $350K. Performance well suited to the Millions event.
David Grey – USA
Consistent pro performer since 1990 with 5 major cash outs close to $US1 million including his biggest WSOP 2to 7 1st for $US365K. A quality player with an impressive cash play background. Member of the Andy Beal Big Game. Pressure no stranger to this veteran player.
David Oppenheim – USA
Team Tilt newcomer with 2003 WPT major NLHE 3rd $117K.
David 'The Dragon' Pham - USA
Top American pro since 1992 with big year 2004 USD1 million and similiar in 2005/06. A real threat in this 2007 Millions. David Singer – USA
Started tournaments 1981 with a $28K cashout in the Amarillo Superbowl. Big years 2005/06 with WPT NLHE $250K, WPT NLHE 436K, HU Mirage $232K and WSOP Horse $411K. This recent form suggests a big Millions year.
David Williams – USA
Top American pro with some big wins since his 2004 WSOP triumph 2nd for USD3.5 million. Over USD1 million already in winnings for 2006 he is 35th in the WSOP cash rankings and 10th in World Money for 2006.. In top form for the Millions.
Dewey Tomko USA
Great poker player and great golfer. Brings a lifetime of poker experience to the Aussie Millions. Eric Froehlich – USA
Recent young player on the circuit with a WSOP PLO 1st for $US300. Should avoid the same table as Gazman.
Erick Lindgren – USA
Another top American pro who continues his 2003 WPT success USD500K and 2004 WPT USD1M with ongoing form in 2005 and 2006. He is currently 15th in the World Cash charts for 2006. He is in red-hot form for the Millions after recent international wins.
Eric Seidel – USA
Australasian crowd favourite since his 2003 visit to the Millions. Eric is the consummate poker professional, widely skilled, well presented and steadily successful. 1988 saw his first WSOP success at the 19th, for a 2nd place USD280K followed by WSOP 91, 92, 94 for a total of some USD500K. Currently 15th in the all-time WSOP Money List. Recent form is good and he will be a big threat in the 2007 Millions.
Erica Shoenberg
. USD160K in prize money since Aril 06 and 5th at the recent Hachem 5 Diamond Classic. On the way to a big poker future.
Evenstad Kristoffer – Norway
New player who took out the recent 2006 Crown Vic main event. That recent form places him as a contender for the future.(unlikely, deferred to 2008?)
Gavin Smith – Canada
Canadian pro since 2003 who has played well in 2006 for a 1st in the NLHE Pro Am USD500K and the WSOP HORSE for USD205K. Well in the running on this form.
Greg Raymer USA
World Champion WSOP 2004 for a USD5 million payout. Popular American poker pro who has done well overseas Europe, London and Ireland. One of the favourites for any Millions.
Greg Mueller – Canada
Team Tilt 3 years on tournament circuit with a WPT major NLHE 2006 $142K.
Gus Hansen – Denmark
Young poker pro who first burst onto the world scene in 2002/2003 with two big WPT wins. Followed this with big Poker Superstars win of USD1 million in 2005 and recent successes in London and Europe 2006 ans the 2007 Aussie Millions. Travels extensively and should suit the Aussie Millions again.
Hans Vogl - Germany
Newcomer with recent win in Asia.
Harry Demetriou - UK
Harry has been popular and successful in Crown since 2003 with many cash finishes. He is a recognised international poker pro with big wins WSOP 2005 and WPT Mirage 2006. Had another good 2007. Travels well and looks forward to any Aussie visit. Favoured with many of the other UK entrants.
Howard Lederer – USA
Highly rated poker pro with bracelets 2000 and 2001. Currently 78th in world cash with some 75 cash finishes in championship events since 1987. A big international star who is favoured for the final table. Feature player of the Andy Beal Big Game.
Hoyt Corkins USA
Accomplished poker pro since 1989. Brings a lot of experience to this field.
Huckleberry Seed – USA
World Champion Bracelet WSOP 96 $1 million with a raft of successes before and after. 91 Queens 119K, 94 WSOP PLO $167K, 99 WSOP NLHE $167K, 2004 Vegas NLHE $135K and 2006 Vegas HU NLHE $125K. 29th on the WSOP all time Money list with over $2 million, Huck brings a lot of class to this event.
Isabelle Mercier Can
Top Canadian pro player and Pokerstars Ambassador at large. Jack McClelland – USA
Well known veteran American player, WSOP Tournament Director and administrator from Vegas/Los Angeles who always makes a good showing. A pleasure to have him Downunder.
Jakob Glabl - satellite winner with no international form
Jamie Gold - USA
Winner World Series of Poker 2006 and top all time money winner at the WSOP with USD12 million. He will join Joe Hachem 2005 and Greg Raymer 2004 in the coming 2007 Crown Aussie Millions. Jamie is a relative newcomer to poker with an adventurous style. Welcome Downunder Jamie. Jennifer Harman – USA
Known by many as the ‘Best Lady Player’ in the world, she is also one of the best open players also. Coming from Reno and playing cash poker from 8 years old it is expected. Holding two bracelets and many big WSOP and WPT events 2000 to 2006 she will come as one of the favoured players for the Aussie Millions. Also known to play $20K-$40K NLHE buy in $1 million, she will make her mark down under one way or another.
Jennifer Tilly
Oscar nominee and WSOP Ladies Champion 2005 USD158K and many cash outs since. Recent WPT NLHE USD33K sets the stage for a good Millions showing.
Jeff Madsen – USA
Sensational young player who made his debut at the 2006WSOP for two wins and two thirds some USD1.5 million in all. If he can back up on this he is the new star of the future. Welcome Downunder Jeff.
Jesse Jones – USA
Veteran player and highly respected administrator of the game. President of the International Players Association. Remembered in Oz for his immaculate manners and poker play and his KK loss to Tony Bloom K3 in the 2004 Aussie Millions. Welcome back Jesse.
Jimmy Fricke - USA
Good for another win.
Joe Beevers - UK
Foundation member of the Hendon Mob and Late Night Poker with 73 major cash finishes since 2002 in UK, Europe and the States and three showings at the Crown Millions 2002, 03 and 04 including the Poker Ashes. A popular favourite Heads Up.
Joe Sebok USA
A recent edition to the top pros. Cashed out 36 times over the last two years. John Cernuto – USA
The consummate American Poker pro, now a legend since opening in the eighties. Over 300 cash finishes in international tournaments including Diamond Jim Brady 1st 1989 $US92K, 1996 WSOP 1st 7 Card $US147K, 1997 WSOP NLHE $US259K and 2005 WPT $US 156K. Is likely to star in any Millions.
John D’Agostino – USA
New player with big performance since Verona 04 NLHE $250K followed by WPT 05 350K, WPT 06 $590K and recent Canada 06 $85K. Well suited to the Millions.
http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=25906 John Juanda – USA
Top American pro since 1997. Big year in 2004 at the WSOP with many wins Europe and USA in 2005. Began 2006 with the Million Dollar Challenge at the Crown Aussie Millions followed by ten cash finishes at the WSOP and WPT events. Currently 44th (USD6 million) in the 2006 money list he can look forward to another successful visit Downunder.

Outstanding poker pro since 1990 he is the player’s player. Look for a strong finish in any event. Kathy Liebert – USA
Popular American pro who burst onto the pro scene in 1994 with 13 cash finishes. Since 2000 continues to improve in open company with 16 cash finishes 2001 and a Million dollar Party cruise in 2002. 5 cash finishes in the WSOP 2006 and on her visit Downunder took 13th place at the 2006 Aussie Millions. Kathy plays a lot of poker and is a persistent winner.
Keith Sexton – USA<
Prominent tournament player since 1990 WSOP 7 card $105K. Since then good 2005 year with cash outs WSOP Circuit NLHE $100K and WSOP 7 card $162K. Will be comfortable in this company. Kenna James - USA
Kenna is a repeat Downunder visitor for the Millions. Currently 38th in the 2006 Money List he has had a good 2005/2006 and comes back in form for the 2007 Millions. A Downunder specialist he has taken home some AUD250K in recent visits and hopes to add to that in 2008.
Kristy Gazes - USA
Popular and highly successful , player on the international circuit and a repeat visitor Downunder. Her most successful event the 2005 Full Tilt 20K NLHE for a 1st of USD250K but boasts many final tables in Europe and elsewhere in open company. Will boost the ladies in their quest for the Millions Crown.
Layne Flack – USA
Volatile and exciting player with 11 major cash finishes under his belt for a total of over $1.5 million since 1995. $US500K takeout in the WPT 2004 topped up a sensational 2002 to 2005 season. Still running hot at times and will feature in any Millions.
Lee Watkinson – USA
Veteran 1994 player with a big comeback 2003 to 2006. WSOP 04 PLO $270K, WPT 04 NLHE $513K and WPT Legends $578K, WSOP 05 $236K and WSOP 2006 PLO 1st $655K. He should be very comfortable in the championship field of the Millions.
Lynette Chan – Canada
Young newcomer to international tournaments.
Marc Karam - Canada
New player 2006 with two big wins EPT 4th USD234K and WPT 6th USD150K
Matthew Hilger USA
Came into prominence New Zealand 2002 and 2003 with a first in the main event. Followed up with a 33rd WSOP main event for USD80K. Two cash outs in the WSOP 2005 and four in the WSOP 2006 for some USD50K. Promising start in the AM2007 Event 1 NLHE. Marcel Luske - Netherlands
Popular Flying Dutchman is another Aussie favourite. A very classy and talented player he is a Euro star and plays throughout the world with success. A big season in 2006 with close to USD750K in Europe and Vegas. Remembered for his many wins at the Millions he comes back as a constant threat in all events. Will sometimes sing for his supper?
Marek Kolk - Est
Maverick player relatively nerw to world poker. Some play since 2004 with cash at the AM2006 and a USD250K cash out UK poker. Is sniffing around the final table at the 2007 Millions.
Mark Seif - USA
Consistent and successful million dollar US poker pro who has taken big money from tournaments since 2002. Very strong WSOP 2005 performance and a good 2006 follow up suggests a promising result in the Millions.
Marty Wilson - UK
Another popular UK pro, since 1997 GB and Euro Championships. Many cash outs since including Crown visits 2004 and 2005 PLO. Welcome back Mad Marty. "I got a million of 'em".
Maciek Gracz Poland
Burst onto the pro scene in 2004 with a USD295 win in the Trump classic. In 2005 took home over USD2 million from the WSOP and the WPT. Showed up in the 2006 Aussie Millions. His recent form is good for the 2007.(attendance now unlikely)
Michael Mizrachi
Currently 10th in the 2006 Money List he is another big threat to the Millions. Sensational young player he took out two major WPT events in 2005 for a total of USD2.2 million and again in 2006 for USD1.75 million. The ‘Grinder’ looks good for the 2007 Crown Aussie Millions.
Michael Tomeny – USA
A popular Sports Book Administrator, Michael has been visiting Downunder for some years since 2000. Major win Downunder in 2003 Millions Holdem for AUD 45K. Hasn’t played much since and leaves the poker glory to his coach Sarah.
Mike Matusow USA
Has run into top form since 2001 WSOP 6th to Carlos Mortenson. Since then has continued to build up his stack with two million dollar finishes in 2005 at the TOC and WSOP and 16 cash finishes so far in 2006. Possible play off in 2007 Aussie Millions with locals Sam and Tony should make TV.
Mike Sexton - USA
Poker Administrator, Tournament Director, Promoter and TV host I guess we had all forgotten that Mike has been a pro player since 1984 with a prestigious record since. Remembered for his 1999 World Tournament of Champions and Aussie Millions promotion 2005 where he took down some individual events in Heads Up and Speed poker. More cash finishes in poker play than we can count he will again show up in 2007.
Noah Boeken – Holland
Talented young Euro poker pro who has topped up three years of cash finishes in Europe, UK, Las Vegas and the 2006 Aussie Millions with a first for the British Open. He is on a roll for something.
Patrik Antonius - Finland
A relative newcomer to pro poker Patrik has been an exciting addition during the 2005 and 2006 season. In 2005, winner Scandinavian Championships USD 66K, 2nd EPT USD145K, 1st EPT USD288K set him up for his 2006 WSOP HORSE victory. A sensational young player moving into the 2007 season.
Paul Wasicka
Some big wins last two years incl the WSOP 2nd in 2006 for USD6.1 million. In form for the Aussie Millions at Crown. Phil Gordon – USA
Young American poker pro since 2001 WSOP 4th USD400K. 2004 WPT winner USD360K and 2005 WSOP Shootout for USD75K. In good form and may Downunder.
Phil Ivey -USA
Top American poker pro with a most impressive record. Currently 18th in the WSOP all-time Money List, he has had an outstanding career in the States and in Europe. 2004 Verona USD500K, 2005 WSOP PL Omaha USD635K, Monte Carlo NLHE and invitational USD1.6 million and three cash finishes in the WSOP for 825K he is a serious contender for honours in the Aussie Millions.

Only five years as a pro but already “The Unibomber”. A daring and challenging player. Ram Vaswani - UK
Foundation member of the Mob and Late Night Poker with an amazing major 100 cash finishes throughout the world since 2000. Oz Millions showing in 2002, 03 and 04. Hero of the Poker Ashes and a favourite for the final tables this year.
Rafe Furst – USA
Young player new on the circuit with a big WSOP 06 PLHE win $346K.
Richard Ashby - UK
Popular UK pro 2001 and visitor to Oz with many final tables Crown Million 2003, 05 and 06.Expect a good finish again.
Richard Brodie – USA
Team Full Tilt player with consistent last few years.
Robert Mizrachi – USA
Amsterdam Classic 2004 $482K followed by a strong 2006 WPT NLHE $130K and 5 Diamond 2nd $113K. In form for the Millions.

HORSE win WSOP 2006 ranks him as a formidable player with only five years under his belt. Roland de Wolfe – UK
New player since 2004 WPT Paris $580 with a sensational 2006 year. WPT 06 NLHE $1,025,205, EPT Dublin NLHE $698K, Full Tilt 06 $275K, 5 Diamond 06 NLHE $275K. Over $2 million cash outs in one year. A star is born?
Ross Boatman - UK
Foundation member of Hendon Mob and hero of the Millions Poker Ashes 03/04. He has an impressive Poker record at home and abroad and will look forward to return Aussie visit. Big cash finish USD170K at the EPT helps to keep the fruit on the sideboard.
Sasha Kravchenko Russia
Outstanding European and international player who has the mix to suit the Aussie Millions. Scott Fishman - USA
Popular young touring pro who made a success of the 2006 Aussie Millions in the Speed contest. Entered the circuit in2002 with some success and had a strong 2004 with two WSOP firsts NLHE USD300K and HORSE USD100K. 2005 WSOP 2nd NLHE 352K having a consistent 2006 he should make some final tables.
Scott Nguyen USA
Probably the most charismatic and successful pro player in the world today. He light6s up the room. Shannon Elizabeth
Star of American Pie and a recent poker convert in Vegas. Maybe she can play as well as she looks.
Shannon Shorr
Sensational young pro with a massive 2006 year. Commencing January at the Crown Aussie Millions Shannon came out of the blue for a 4th place 200K, then July at Bellagio for USD126K, August Bellagio Cup USDF960K and some success in the EPT September for USD20K. No flash in the pan here. Expect a repeat in the 2007 Aussie Millions.
Steve Brecher – USA
Veteran Full Tilt pro since 1994. WPT $US230K and Atlantic City 2005 $218 best of a consistent performance. Steve Zolotow – USA
Veteran pro player since 1986 opening with a WSOP 1st in Chinese Poker $US112K, followed by WSOP 01 NLHE 1st $US243K, WPT 04 NLHE 4th $US260K and 2005 Full Tilt Shootout $US80K. Visit to Oz Millions 2004 resulted in PLO cash out of $63K. Joins a star studded field for the 2007 Millions with a good pedigree.
TJ Cloutier
Legendary world player now 6th on the WATML. 6 WSOP bracelets Tony Bloom - UK
Popular Brit visitor to Downunder since his 2004 Aussie Millions success and generous contributor to the Players Party. He has returned each year and never goes home empty handed. 2004 Crown Aussie Millions 1st USD333K, 2005 Aussie Millions Omaha and Heads Up USD45K , NLHE VC cup UK USD351K and four cash finishes in the 2006 WSOP. A strong contender once more for the Millions 2008.
Toto Leonidas – USA
Consistent winning record since 1995. 02 LA Classic LHE $146, 03 WSOP 7 card 99K and Atlantic City 1st $388K, 05 WSOOP LHE $160K and Full Tilt 3rd $100K. Impressive performance for the Millions.
Willie Tann UK
Willie is an experienced and qualified European poker rounder. 10th European rankins.
And after all that analysis how come an online satellite winner may yet take out the Crown Aussie Millions?
That's Poker

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