WHO'S WHO OF AUSSIE MILLIONS 2007 - Part 1

1. WHO'S WHO OF AUSSIE MILLIONS 2007 - Part 1 2. WHO'S WHO OF AUSSIE MILLIONS 2007 - Part 2 3. AUSSIE MILLIONS 2007 - THE INTERATIONALS 4. AUSSIE MILLIONS 2007 - THE AUSSIES

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 sporting event in the world with the next WSOP main event first prize moving to USD20 million.???

There are over a hundred big name players in the World who can claim to be poker millionaires. About ten of these are Aussies or Kiwis. Amongst the top 100 World Money List for 2006; 50 won over USD1M, first on the list won USD 12 million, the top 5 won USD31M between them, 10 are close to USD1M and 40 won over USDS.5M, and these figures are winnings declared. They are conservative. Amongst the 100 WSOP All Time Money List All were close to USD1M or more, 5 won USD5M or more, 16 won over USD3M and the top 10 combined pocketed some USD60M over their comparatively short careers. The home of Poker in Australasia is now the Crown Casino Melbourne and the Competition Classic is the Crown Aussie Millions which last year 2006 distributed some 6 million in prize money over 3 weeks. 2007 will be bigger and better with some 400 internationals, 50 tables, 300 dealers, 2000 players all events, a main event of over 600? entrants and some $10 million to be distributed amongst the winners
It is early days yet but I have selected a number of name players international and Australasian as well as some Wild Cards who are in form 2005/2006 and who MAY OR MAY NOT attend the Millions. Check their bios by click on if you want your own educated guess. It’s something to think about over the next month or so.
From the international players we may see the many champions who have visited in the past plus a few more who will be attracted by the challenge and the enhanced prize money. The Australian big name players will also be there, satellites or not. The current PNW overall ranked Australasian players (home based tournaments) for the year 2001 to 2006 are;
Lee Nelson, Sam Khouiss, John Homann, Martin Comer, Leo Boxell, Michael Guttman, Arul Thillai, Sam Korman, Gary Benson, Mick Stanton, Fred Saliba, David Szetho, Ian Schoots, Emad Tahtouh, Mike Ivin, Jamil Dia, Steve Hegyi, Toby Atroshenko, Billie Argyros, George Mamacas
The PNW top ranked performers (home based) in 2006;
Lee Nelson, Arul Thillai, Sam Khouiss, Ian Schoots, Gary Benson, Martin Comer, David Saab, Emad Tahtouh, Eric Assadourian, Wes Bugiera, Leo Boxell, Jonny Vincent, Steve Buuya, Ben Savage, Angela Italiano, Roman Pesochinsky, Mark Vos, Michael Sampieri, Steve Hegyi, John Homann, Paul Taylor, Steve Accardo, Andrew Kanaridis, Jovan Scekic, Vadim Pinsky, Michael Frydman, Jethro Horowitz. 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. And then we will see the dilettantes of Poker, those who play for the action with the hope of a win along the way. Many of our proven Australasian Champions are in this group. There will be also a big group of Australasian champions who may not be cashed up who will hope to qualify in a lead up satellite. These are the danger players.
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 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.
Who was it said, “The world champion is only a 3/1 advantage over the beginner to win the Millions’? We shall see. So, “Who is coming to this Million Dollar Dinner” at Crown for the Aussie Millions, Melbourne Australia, Saturday 6 January to Friday 19 January 2007? Your guess is as good as mine but perhaps they will be amongst the following name players.
Alex Horowitz – Aus
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.
Andrew McDermott
What can we say about Bugsy except that he has a unique and endearing iconoclastic personality with an unusual talent for poker and literary acclaim. PNW Satellite entry who could surprise.
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.
Arul Thillai - AUS
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.
Baden Logan - Aus
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 - Aus
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 - Aus
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 lay off poker for a while with a new family but is now back in force. Watch him in the Millions.
Bob "Doctor Bob" Crossman - Aus
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. Former Australasian overall champion, 1989, he is now in NZ and would be a danger to any table at the Millions.
Brian Hull -Aus
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.
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. If he is still there on the final day he will need watching.
Charles Vella – Aus
Veteran Crown player who has played well in minor tournaments. Experienced and a danger if he has the cards.
Constantin Harach - NZ
Big winner at Crown and Christchurch over the last few years. He has the talent to win in this company.
Damien Carol Online specialist who could surprise.
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.
Darryl ‘The Dazzler” Lanyon Veteran player of the nineties who is well known for his promotion of the Kangaroo Card Club and the Cards Magazine. Defeated Tom McEvoy in a Crown Heads Up and remembered for his Maverick and Bootlegger costumes. Out of the game for a few years now but he was part of the early growth of tournament poker in Oz. It would be good to see him back. David Hatzis - Aus
Popular Crown player who starred in the 2004 Millions with a 4th for AUD109K in the main event. Always a threat.
David Saab – Aus
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 – Aus
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 juvenile tournaments.
<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.
Dusan Stoevski -Aus
His best performances have been at the Crown tournaments where he has been on many final tables since. Back to back winner of the 2005 and 2006 Crown Series event he could now be seen as the most consistent Crown player. This could be the year for his big tournament breakthrough?
Emad Tahtouh - AUS
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 2007 Millions and is favoured in all events. Recent form overseas enhance his chances.
Eric Sclavos
Remainder from the old Kangaroo Club in Brisbane who does well on the net. Nice final table in the AM2007 LHE might tempt him for the main event.
Fred Saliba - Aus
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.
Gareth Edwards - Aus
Not much time for Poker nowadays but will be playing the main event and will be a chance.
Gabriel Xiourouffa Sky City Adelaide? Winner AM2007 Event 1 NLHE puts him amongst possibles for the main event. Gary Benson - Aus
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. Big win in AM2007 NLHE charpens his chances.
George Mamacas - Aus
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 Millions.
George Tsakrios
Promising final table AM2007 Event 1 NLHE. George Vassilopoulos
Prominent big tournament player in 2005. Not active recently but ready for a big show this year 2007.
Gerry Fitt - Aus
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 2007.
Glen ‘Gofor’ Athanassiou Well remembered player for his contribution to the growth of Poker in Oz. Best performance has been in APA, Adelaide and Crown in the TOC 1999. He was a significant force with Paul Ravesi in assisting Joe Meissner in the development of the Australian Poker Association. Now in retirement? But a welcome return visitor. Graeme Putt - AUS
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.
Greg Cook
Crown satellite winner with some local success including nice cash in the 2006 AM NLHE.
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 2007 Millions.
Ian Schoots -Aus
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.
..... Jamil 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 2007. Has the experience to do it again if he can reach the final table.
Jamie Pickering - Aus
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 Potter
‘Welcome back’ 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 2007.
Jason Gray - Aus
One of Australia’s most successful 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 - Aus
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. This year’s Millions will feature about ten big money cash players. No doubt he will be amongst them.
Jethro Horowitz - Aus
Young 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. Nice win in AM2007 OMHL expands his chances in the Millions.
Jimmy Siu – Aus
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 - Aus
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 recent 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 Hachem WSOP 2005-Aus
What more can we say. Australia’s own. WSOP NLHE World Poker Champion 2005 and a consistent follow-up performer since then. A long history of Poker at Crown. Recent big USD2 million win WPT 5 Diamonds enhances his chances for the Millions. Popular champion who will again challenge the field.
Joe Laruffa
Charismatic local player who gave the field a shake a few years back. Still capable. Could be a turn up for the books.
John ‘The Baptist’ Beagle Veteran player and promoter of Poker in Oz since Hobart 1980. Former journalist and Casino consultant in Australia and the USA he is a former Chairman of the Casino Association and the National Association Gambling Studies. Now retired from tournaments but may return for the big one. Joe 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 again.
Joseph Tesoriero
Runner up to Marty Wilson in the Crown 2004 NLHE and many cash finishes since.
John Homann - Aus
Veteran player who has been very successful in Australasian tourneys over the years. He is quite capable of taking out the big one. Currently third on the Australasian rankings. His presence will command respect.
John Madaffari – Aus
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 - Aus
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 Dalessandri - Aus
Well-performed Crown player over the last few years. Can always be relied on for a consistent tournament performance. Is due for a nice finish this Millions.
Jonny Vincent - Aus
One of the rising Australasian stars who is currently ranked 10th in the PNW 2006 list. He has decided to make a play for fame this year and has spent time overseas in preparation. Good chance in many events. PNW satellite winner for the main event so he has nothing to lose.
Joseph Nati
Crown super satellite winner with unknown form.
Jovan Skekic _ Aus
Sandgroper from Western Australia who has picked up over AUD100K at Crown from his visits 2005/06. Steady player who is always a threat.
Keith ‘Bendigo’ Sloan Australasia’s own Mike Sexton and Jack McClelland rolled into one. Playing since the early eighties he has been a driving force in the growth of Poker in Adelaide, Canberra, Crown and his favourite ‘baby’ the Aussie Millions which he has directed on five occasions. Now overseas with Mansion he is expected to return for this big event. Responsible, with Danny, for Pokernetwork it is hard to visualise Poker today without Bendigo. If he ever swaps caps and starts playing again you’ll know about it. Kirk Morrison - NZ
Veteran Kiwi performer who now spends a lot of time in the States. Due for a win.
Larry Jones
Well performed veteran player since 87. Red flush on nose due to indulgence in fine quality Burgundy.
Lee Nelson - NZ
The star of the show at Kill Phil, Joker Poker and the Aussie Millions. Top talent and top performer who is PNW ranked Number 1 Australasian player 2006 with many big wins under his belt Australia and overseas. He is now at the top of his form and looking for a back to back Aussie Millions 2007. Recent 3rd at the Betfair Asian Poker Championships enhance this
Luke Chezick - NZ
Luke is an experienced Kiwi player who is returning after a long spell at tournament poker. Has the talent.
Leo Boxell - AUS
Second at the Aussie Millions 2003 to Peter Costa UK. 14 all-ins for a narrow HU loss. Leo is a popular and consistent champion at Crown over the years and is well known locally and in New Zealand. He has had experience overseas and will be a threat at this years 2007 Millions.
Lindy Thornton
Popular player from Canberra days and constant supporter of poker. Magnificent whitebait recipe. Nice place in the AMK2007 Event 1 NLHE.
Mark Vos - AUS
Rising international young Poker star who stole the show at the 2006 WSOP. Currently 42nd in the WSOP Money list in his first year. Mark is a talented online Full Tilt player with the marks on the board for the last two years. He has been rated by many as the top gun young Aussie player here and overseas. He has built up a large capital base, which he is prepared to risk at the cash tables. Look for a Big performance at the 2007 Millions.
Marsha Waggoner - Aus
Our leading first lady of Poker and Australian Ambassador overseas. This Queensland girl left Oz in the eighties in 1998 for the first 4 months cleared USD75K. She really hit her poker straps again in 1992 at the 23rd WSOP 7 Card Stud for a massive USD52500 win. From there it has been a constant stream of 65 cash finishes in international poker. She returns frequently to Oz and features at the Aussie Millions. Look for another strong showing in 2007.
Marcus Collins - Aus
Young newcomer who shot into prominence with good online performance 2005 and USD87K at the 2006 WSOP. Recent victory at the Pan Asia Poker Tournament, against a strong team, enhance his chances.
Martin Comer - AUS
Martin is currently 4th in the overall rankings to 2006 and 6th in the 2006 year. Experienced and successful in tournament play since 1987 at home and abroad with many wins under his tail. Promises to repeat in 2007.
Matt Downing - Aus
Matt was PNW Young Gun of the month 2004 and showed up in 2005. Very little play in 2006. Needs to improve on recent performances.
Maurie Pears
The older he gets, the better he was. Withdrawm by order of the Vet.
Michael Frydman – Aus
Popular well-known Sydney player who recently took home AUD61K at the Crown Vic. Now playing a strong game at Star City and is expected to show up again at the Millions.
Mel Judah - AUS
Australia’s ‘King of Poker’ since the mid eighties and our most respected and well known Aussie pro overseas. Ranked world No 6 by Nolan Della 2004, his winning record has yet to be beaten by any local player. Currently 60th in the All Time World Money List, Mel is now living overseas but always visits Oz for the Millions. One of the favourites for 2007.
Michael Guttman - AUS
Michael is one of the best and least known players in Australia. PNW ranked champion for the years 2002 and 2005 he made a quick visit to the WSOP 2006 and came back with a top cash finish. His winning record at Crown is not easily matched. Always a chance for the top table.
Michael Sampieri - Aus
Well known top veteran player who has dominated many final tables in the past in Adelaide, Canberra and Crown.. Has had a good year 2006 and is in top form for the Millions.
Mick Stanton - Aus
Colourful player who is currently 10th in the PNW overall rankings to 2006 he plays a mean game. He has been a regular winner in all States and New Zealand and is prepared to make an impact in 2007.
Mike Comer - Aus
Organiser of the First Australasian Championships in Adelaide 1987 he continues to this day with Casino administration. He is a legend of Oz Poker and winner of many events. Currently in Africa but preparing to return for the Millions.
Mike Ivin - Aus
The ‘Tank’ has featured in Poker since 1987. Member of the Oz international teams in 1988 and 1999 he is a steady winner. “Poker is a 50/50 chance. You either win or you lose”. Mike is always a good chance in any big tournament.
Milo Nadalin - Aus
Australasian Poker Champion 1999 he is a prominent NLHE cash player interstate. Two years off with a medical problem leaves him hungry now for some further titles. Fit and well in 2006 he will feature in January.

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