POKER DOWNUNDER 2008 PART 1

THE PICK OF THE CROP
CROWN AUSSIE MILLIONS 2008 Saturday 5 Jan to Monday 20 Jan

With the advent of the Crown Aussie Millions in 2003 Crown Casino Melbourne Australia became the home of Downunder Poker and a major International Venue for Big Time Poker Tournaments. Interstate and international visitors may need a reference to the many ‘has beens’, ‘already ares’ and ‘wanna bes’ of the Downunder Poker scene (Aussies and Kiwis) as we start the run down to the 2008 Crown Aussie Millions . 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 sporting event in the world with the next WSOP main event first prize moving to USD20 million and the Crown Aussie Millions to $13 million for the series.
Our thanks to Crown Management for introducing the Aussie Millions to the World
Poker is now a genuine money game distributing more prize money than Golf. The home of Poker in Australasia is now the Crown Casino Melbourne and the Competition Classic is the Crown Aussie Millions, in which year 2006, distributed some $6 million in prize money over 3 weeks, year 2007 some $10 million and 2008 will be bigger and better with some 500 internationals, 50 tables, 300 dealers, 2000 players all events, a main event of over 700? Entrants and some $13 million to be distributed amongst the winners
Not the WSOP yet but certainly amongst the top five poker tournaments of the World,/b> Check the Downunder poker bios by click on if you are interested. It’s something to think about if you are coming to the Millions. You will find some of them on the final tables.

THE 2008 CROWN AUSSIE MILLIONS. TOP DOWNUNDER PLAYERS

The Australian big name, big bet international players will all be there, satellites or not.
Mel Judah Ralph Burd Billie Argyros Joe Hachem Tony Guoga George Mamacas Tino Lechich Jason Gray Gary Benson Mark Vos Jeff Lisandro Emad Tahtouh Lee Nelson Marsha Waggoner
The current PNW overall ranked Australasian players (home based tournaments) you may also see are: Angela Italiano, Andrew Gelfand, Andrew Kanaridis, Arul Thillai, Avi Avalon, Baden Logan, Ben Savage, Constantin Harach NZ, Chul Hyon Park, Daniel Eckhaus, David Gorr, David Saab, David Szetho, Daniel Sequenzia, Eric Assadourian, Fred Saliba, Gabriel Xiourouffa, George Mamacas, Graeme Putt, Haibo Chu, Ian Schoots, Jamil Dia, Jan Suchanek, Jethro Horowitz, Jim Sachinidis, Jimmy Ghabrial, Dennis Huntley, John Homann, Jonny Vincent, Joseph Berec, Jovan Scekic, Julius Colman, Koun Chouy, Leo Boxell, Mark Ericksen, Martin Comer, Michael Frydman, Michael Guttman, Michael Harrison-Ford, Michael Sampieri, Mick Stanton, Mike Comer, Mike Ivin, Nathan Bobik, Nick Georgoulas, Nick Nicolau, Nick Suter, Paul Effeney, Paul Taylor, Rayan Nathan, Richard Grace, Roman Pesochinsky, Sam Khouiss, Sam Korman, Sam Youssef, Shane Ronan, Steve Accardo, Steve Buuya, Steve Hegyi, Tarmo Korhonen, Toby Atroshenko, Vadim Pinsky, Van Marcus, Zhi Ma, Based on performance alone, all of these players could be on the final table? Also arriving will be the product of the thousands of online satellites from multiple sites all over the world. These are Poker hopefuls who may or may not have the necessary skill to last a three-day event. These could make up 75% or more of all the entrants and perhaps 50% of the final table and will be the secret to having big numbers for the Millions. The field for the main event, perhaps 25% name players and perhaps the remainder unknown satellite qualifiers? The key to the final number of entrants will be the satellites and the online sponsored team support.
The winner in big pot poker is normally the player who has sufficient cash to bankroll his play. He is also familiar with PRESSURE. The magic of the millions is that it is a one off event and not necessarily a measure of constant long-term play. This opens the field for all of us, from the $10 satellite winner to the $100,000 challenge player. There is no FEAR of losing the rent cheque. ‘Why is it so?’ you may ask. Well as was proven in the 2003 Millions and later the WSOP the face of Poker has changed forever. It is now possible to enter million dollar events through a $10 or $100 satellite or online tournament and the PRESSURE of playing with $10,000 of your own money is now removed. And there are thousands of players who are learning fast on line. The result is that the advantage of skill, capital and experience is diminished in tournament play where we all start with the same amount of chips. The luck of the draw, the cards, is now the significant factor.
Someone once said, “The world champion is only a 3/1 advantage over the battler to win the Millions’? We shall see. Alex Horowitz
Our first Australasian Crown Champion 1998. Alex has been in retirement for some years but may make a comeback with his successful poker sons.
Alex Rosser>
Veteran Oz player who may come back for this one.
Alf Grech>
Consistent Crown player over last two years. Big AUD13,650 win 2006 Crown Super weekend.
Ali Lightman
The better half of Pokerstars Downunder (:=) and a mean player to boot.
Andrew McDermott
What can we say about Bugsy except that he has a unique and endearing iconoclastic personality with an unusual talent for poker. PNW Satellite entry who could surprise.
Andrew Dimock – NZ
Repeat champion in many events NZ and Oz since 1987. Big supporter of Poker and a challenging player. Recent form good.
Andrew Gelfand
Big win $38K NLHE in 2007 Aussie Millions.
Andrew Kanaridis
Nice $43K win in LH 2006 Crown Aussie Millions. Some form since.
Angela Italiano
This little lady has a top record in her hometown Melbourne at the Crown Casino. Frequent winner of open events she has a redoubtable reputation online for qualifying satellites. Her best years are still to come. She is the Pokernetwork ranked Lady player of the year 2006/07.
Arthur Tsakalos Veteran player in all states. $15K Manila Aussie Millions 2007.
Arul Thillai
Amongst the top three of the Aussie Young Guns of Poker and highly ranked Pokernetwork Junior Player of the year 2006. He is a Crown specialist taking out 16 major cash finishes in the last two years including the Crown Vic NLHE Champion for $200K. Creditable performance at the 2006 WSOP in the main event and always a challenge in any big bet cash game.
Avi Avalon
Regular winner at Crown ($27K) lately. $17K 2007 Melbourne Championships. Strong supporter of poker and regular winner.
Baden Logan
A regular young gun winner at Crown over the last two years. Hit top form in the recent Vic Championships and is keen to show up in the Millions.
Ben Savage
A relative young newcomer to tournament poker over the last year but a strong runner up in the 2006 Crown Vic for $81K puts him in form for the Millions.
Billy Argyros
The Croc is one of the legends of Aussie Poker since his burst in Vegas in 1989. He has played throughout the Americas, Europe, London with some 72 cash finishes. Popular hero of the English Poker Ashes Test he laid off poker for a while with a new family but is now back in force with a strong 2007 performance.. Watch him in the Millions.
Bill Riach
Regular Crown player who keeps knocking on the door for a big one
Bob "Doctor Bob" Crossman
Prominent player in tournaments since Adelaide 1987 his play has been limited by his involvement in Casino operations. As a PHD in Maths he is in demand by the Casino industry. Specialises in Adelaide court cases. Former Australasian overall champion, 1989 and Lada enthusiast, he is now in NZ and would be a danger to any table at the Millions.
Bob Renshaw The undisputed Draw Poker Champion of the nineties. Now retired and working on a comeback? Saving some Grange for this event
Brian Hull
Brian has played in all major Oz tournaments since 1987. Prominent and successful player at Crown he was on the final table for the 2004 Aussie Millions and took out AUD73K in 6th place. Always a danger in any field, he will again be up front in 2007.
Bruno Portaro
Regular Crown player some $30K in winnings for 2007.
Carlo Larosa
Regular player from Perth. $42K Manila 2005. Always a danger when on his game.
Charles Cuschieri
Charles is a highly respected businessman and amateur player who has shown up in many close finishes. He knows the game and how to play. Australasian overall champion 1990.
Charles Vella
Veteran Crown player who has played well in minor tournaments. Experienced and a danger if he has the cards.
Choi Vong
Shown up recently in cash game tournaments.
Constantin Harach - NZ
Big winner at Crown and Christchurch over the last few years. He has the talent to win in this company.
Chris ‘Barracuda’ Newton
Long time Poker journalist a photographer who also plays a regular game at home and overseas.
Chul Hyon Park
Some nice cash outs in 2007. Vic Champs will tell.
Damien Carol Online specialist who could surprise.
Danny ‘The Rock’ McDonagh
Former successful Crown TD with some talent at play. Now moving to a fresh venture.
Daniel Eckhaus
Newcomer who made his mark in the 2007 Aussie Millions NLHE $30K.
Daniel Sequenzia
Promising newcomer 2007 main event NLHE $72K.
Damien Carol
Online specialist who plays a good tournament
Darryl ‘The Dazzler’ Lanyon. Well known poker enthusiast and entertainer and publisher of ‘Cards’ Magazine. Did much to enhance the growth of poker over the years. He also conducted the very popular Queensland Kangaroo Club which supported many of the bigger Casino tournaments. He is in retirement now but may come back to Crown 2008 for a glimpse of the past. (Preferably not as Maverick?). David Gorr - Aus
Australasian overall Champion 1996 and constant winner overseas and at home since. A multi skilled player who will again show up at the Millions.
David Hatzis
Popular Crown player who starred in the 2004 Millions with a 4th for AUD109K in the main event. Always a threat.
David Saab
Young Aussie Gun who has improved over 2005/2006 to show up in championship tournaments. USD20K at the 2006 Millions and USD25K for two cash finishes at the Crown Vic will make him hungry for a good 2007 result.
David Szetho
Feared for some years in cash play at Crown, 2002 to 2004, as "The River King" he is ready to return after a long spell from tournaments.
Dennis Huntley
2007 Crown Aussie Millions star with a total of $170K take home pay including 19th for a $115 in the main event. Very promising future,
Darryl ‘The Dazzler’ Lanyon. Well known poker enthusiast and entertainer and publisher of ‘Cards’ Magazine. Did much to enhance the growth of poker over the years. He also conducted the very popular Queensland Kangaroo Club which supported many of the bigger Casino tournaments. He is in retirement now but may come back to Crown 2008 for a glimpse of the past. (Preferably not as Maverick?).
Dominic Italiano
Dominic Italiano Veteran Crown player who is always in there fighting. Nice win in 2006 Millions AUD20K. Doris Humunicki - Aus
One of our most popular and successful players over the last few years at Crown. She is one of our leading Lady players.
Dory Zayneh
One of the Young Gun stars of the recent 2007 Pokernews Cup.
Duncan McKinnon
Recent 2007 player
Dusan Stoevski -Aus
His best performance has been at the 2000 Crown Millions but he has been on many final tables since. This could be the year for his big breakthrough?
Emad Tahtouh
Rising young Poker star in the top three of the Australasian Young Guns. Experienced and cashed up player in Europe and the States he has shown up in recent major tournaments at Crown. Pokernetwork ranked Junior Champ of the Year 2005, he has set his sights on the 2008 Millions and is favoured in all events. Recent form overseas enhances his chances.
Emmanuel Seal
Very promising player for the future. 15K Manila 2006 followed by 2007 Aussie Millions Main event 10th $120K.
Eric Assadourian
Twice PNW player of the month and a strong performer in the 2006 season. Going well in 2007 and just keeps getting better. AUD100K in 2006 NZ Championships. Strrong wild card for the 2008 Millions.
Fred Bart
125K total in the 2006 and 2007 Millions. Could be the Downunder Manila Champion of all Australasia?.
Fred Saliba
Another veteran legend of Australasian poker. Always in there with a chance. Former bare-knuckle champion of North Queensland as a school boy, he has followed this with 30 years as a poker ‘road runner’ in Oz and overseas. Can survive on $1 per day in Vegas.
Gabriel Xiourouffa.
AUD140K at the 2007 Crown Aussie millions will probably bring him over from Adelaide for the 2008 millions. Gareth ‘Gazman’ Edwards
Not much time for Poker nowadats but will be playing selected events. Now busy marketing overseas.Has a weakness with AAKK.
Gary Benson
Top Australasian player and WSOP Stud Bracelet. Gary has been a poker threat to all major tournaments since Adelaide 1987 and, with Mel, Marsha, Jason and the Croc, is one of the pioneers of Australasian tournament play. Australasian overall champion 1997. His recent form has been good, in the top 10 of the PNW rankings, and he is expected to make a major showing at the Millions 2008.
George ‘Tasmaniac’ Mamacas
The Tasmaniac is one of Australia’s major poker personalities. A professional gambler who will bet on any named sport. He has had many successes in Crown the best being his Main Event 3rd in 2005 for AUD250K. His free and aggressive play will continue in the next Millions.
George ‘Dogmeat’ Vassilopoulos
Prominent big tournament player in 2005. Not active recently but ready for a big show this year 2007/8.
Gerry Fitt
Another Oz Sports Bettor who has had a rise in poker form over the last few years. Made the final table in the 2006 Millions and expected to try again in 2008.
Glen ‘Gofor’ Athanassiou Well remembered and respected player and enthusiast. Involved in reporting at home and overseas Cards Magazine, PNW, APA and anything with poker in it. Adelaide pioneer. Still active on PNW NB, but, not seen lately at the tables. Pity. He and Dazzler made a fun team
Graeme ‘KiwiG’ Putt
The original, (with CaneToad Fred and Marco), Oz poker roadrunner who has had considerable success overseas and at home in the last few years. St Maarten and Dublin specialist he has been a contestant in most poker tournaments since 1987. He has the experience to show up again at the Millions 2008.
Grant Levy
Another Young Gun showing up at the PNS Cup 2007. Haibo Chu
Big $102K win at the Crown Melbourne Championships NLHE. Form looks good for the future. Han Luu - Aus
Young Aussie player who has been successful in the annual Crown events. NLHE winner 2005. Currently off tournaments but may return for this year.
Ian Bobbin
Australasian Champion 1991 and a constant player since. Shows up in major tournaments at Crown and is expected for the 2008 Millions.
Ian Schoots
PNW rated player of the month 2004 and racking up wins at Crown since then. Recent wins at the 2006 Millions and Crown Vic Championships he is now ranked 4th for Australasians in 2006. Expect a good showing this year 2007.
..... Jack ‘Ice Cream’ Panagiotou
Top Adelaide veteran who turns up at Crown now and then. Check raise champion of Adelaide.
Jamil ‘The Real Deal’ Dia - NZ
Aussie Millions Champion for 2005 Jamil is from New Zealand but frequently visits Crown for tournaments. He has had a recent spell from poker but is expected back in 2008. Has the experience to do it again if he can reach the final table.
Jan Suchanek
Another relative newcomer with a total $100K at the NZ and Aussie Millions 2007. Good form for 2008. Jamie Pickering
Relatively unknown on the tournament circuit but is a big cash player from the Gold Coast. Played with some promise in the 2006 Crown Vic and is expected to show up again.
James ‘Welcome Back” Potter
James has been a form player at Crown for some years. Biggest success was a big cash finish in the 2005 Crown Vic NLHE but also was prominent in the 2005 Millions main event. One of the Aussie possibilities for 2008.
Jenny Sheward
Popular and successful player from Gold Coast. A favourite for the ladies event.
Jason Gray
IMHO One of Australia’s top ten poker players. In the game since 1987 with many overseas successes. A Crown star for many years he is rated as one of our most talented cash players. He is favoured for many events.
Jeff Lisandro
Jeff is a highly rated pro player on the World money lists. Starting from the wild ‘private’ games in Perth and later Sydney and developing overseas with play and Casino ownership he is now recognised as one of Australia’s top players. His visits back to Aussie in Canberra or Crown always result in a win at a tourney or the cash tables. Aussie star of the 2008 WSOP coming away with a Gold Bracelet Stud and a 2nd. This year’s Millions 2008 will feature about ten big money cash players. He will be amongst them.
Jethro Horowitz - Aus
Youngest scion of the Horowitz school of poker knowledge who often surprises with some major tournament performances. PNW Young player of the month. 2006 Aussie Millions he did well in the NLHE and the Speed. Expect him back in 2008.
Jimmy Ghobrial
Popular Crown player following his $45 2nd at the 2007 Aussie Millions. In line for further successes 2008.
Jim Sachinidis
$57K in the 2007 Millions NLHE Rebuys. Plenty more action expected this year.
Jimmy Siu
Legend and former King of poker in Melbourne BC (before Crown) he is still prominent in the cash games and tournaments. Doesn’t play tournament often but can be seen at the high roller cash tables. Someone to watch.
Joseph Cabret
Polished and experienced casino tournament player from way back. Veteran of the Australasian circuit he showed up strongly in the 2001 and 2003 Aussie Millions and the Crown Vic Championships 2006. Has the capacity to win most major tournaments.
Joe Humunicki - Aus
PopularVeteran player at Crown, Adelaide and Canberra. Always a possibility.
Joe ‘Pass the Sugar’ Hachem
What more can we say. Australia’s own. WSOP NLHE World Poker Champion 2005 and Bellagio 5 Diamond 2006. A consistent follow-up performer since then. A long history of Poker at Crown. Popular champion who will again challenge the field in 2008.
Joe ‘The Nuts 22nd’Laruffa
Charismatic local player who gave the field a shake a few years back. Still capable. Could be a turn up for the books.
Joe “Judge” Meissner
Former owner of the Sydney Goulburn club and founder of the Australasian Poker Association Joe is remembered for his big cash clash with the American imports in Adelaide. A solid performer for many years he has the experience to show up.
Joe ‘Cousin Joe’ Samia
Featured in the Millions 2004 but now stays with cash
Joseph ‘The Fiddla” Tesoriero
Runner up to Marty Wilson in the Crown 2004 NLHE and many cash finishes since.
John “The Baptist’ Beagle
Former Chairman/President of the Australian Casino Organisation and the National Association for Gambling Studies. John is one of the pioneers of poker Downunder. Now playing Tiddly Winks and Shove Ha’penny in England. Retired but not forgotten
John Dalessandri
Well-performed Crown player since 1999 with many cash outs. Can always be relied upon for a consistent tournament performance
John ‘The Showman’ Homann
Veteran player who has been very successful in Australasian tourneys over the years. He is quite capable of taking out any big one. Currently in the top ten on the Australasian rankings. His presence will command respect.
John ‘JK’ Kocbek
One of the founding fathers of Downunder Poker. Now whooping it up in Moscow. Too busy running the room to play Poker?
John Madaffari
Veteran player who has picked up some nice wins at Christchurch and Crown. Best years 2003, 04 and 05. Experienced player with plenty of chances.
John Maver
One of our best known and best performed local Crown players over the years. Prefers the cash game but seems to be around the final table in many tourneys. Expect a showing at the Millions.
John Parker Former Tournament Director Crown Aussie Millions to 2003. Plays a mean hand of poker. Jonny Vincent
One of the rising Australasian stars who was ranked 10th in the PNW 2006 list. He has decided to make a play for fame this year 2007/8 and has spent time overseas in preparation. Good chance in many events.
Joseph Del Luca
Yet to show up in off line tournament results. Jozef Berec
Big local star over the last two years at Crown.2007 NLHE $550 for a $75K win followed by the 2007 Vic Champs main event for $250K. Holds his form well and sure to keep going. Currently top of the PNW Australasian rankings.
Julian Powell
Strong performance over 15 cash outs at Crown over the last two years. Twice PNW Young Gun of month and looking for some more.
Jovan Skekic
Sandgroper from Western Australia who has picked up over AUD100K at Crown from his visits 2005/06. Steady player who is always a threat.
Julian Powell
Some big wins in Adelaide and Crown this last year. A threat. Julius Colemam
Big winner at last years Crown Aussie Millions 2007 with a final table 4th.

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