Industry veteran Danny McDonagh will make his long-awaited return to the Aussie Millions this year after being appointed by Crown Melbourne to oversee the series as Tournament Director, PokerMedia Australia has learned.
McDonagh, widely regarded as Asia-Pacific’s most respected and experienced TD, played a major role in the birth of the Aussie Millions, having overseen the event for six years from 2003 onwards. He was instrumental in taking the Aussie Millions – previously known as the Australian Poker Championships – international and growing it into the globally-recognized event it ultimately became.
His return highlights the importance Crown is placing on this year’s Aussie Millions as it takes centre stage for the first time in more than six years.
“I’m very excited to be coming back to my hometown for the Aussie Millions at Crown Melbourne,” McDonagh told PokerMedia Australia.
“I have such great memories of being Tournament Director for the first six Aussie Millions from 2003, seeing the Main Event grow from an initial 122 players to 780 players in 2008 for a $7.8 million prizepool.
“Given my passion for directing poker tournaments, I am super motivated to assist in making the return of the Aussie Millions in April as successful as possible.”
Crown Melbourne EGM Gaming, Harold Charalampos Tsakmaklis, added, “It’s both fitting and exciting to welcome Danny McDonagh back to the Aussie Millions. Danny played a pivotal role in the event’s first six years – introducing it to the world and helping shape it into the iconic tournament it became. Now, in a new chapter and a new role, we’re privileged to have Danny leading the re‑introduction of the Aussie Millions and taking it to the next level.”
This year’s Aussie Millions will run from 24 April to 10 May 2026 and feature a total of 18 bracelet events.
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