7 Best Australian Poker Players of All-Time
Australia’s given the world some real card-shuffling legends, and today, we’re counting down the five best Aussie poker players of all time. From taking down the WSOP to dominating high-stakes tournaments worldwide, Australian poker players have proven they can hold their own with the best.
Our top five legends have raked in millions, made bold moves, and brought Aussie pride to the international poker scene. You're in for a treat if you love a good underdog story and some homegrown success.
Let’s dive into the incredible feats of the best poker talent Australia has ever produced!
1. Joe Hachem – The Lebanese Cedar
Early Life and Poker Start:
Joe Hachem was born in Lebanon and moved to Melbourne, where he worked as a chiropractor before transitioning to poker due to a medical condition. His professional journey began by winning local tournaments, which set the stage for his legendary career.
Why He’s on the List:
Hachem made history as the first Australian to win the WSOP Main Event in 2005, taking home $7.5 million. His dramatic final hand, completing a straight with 7♣ 3♠, remains a poker highlight. His win was more than just personal glory—it sparked a poker boom in Australia, inspiring a new generation of players.
Hachem remains involved in the poker world, often appearing at high-profile events like the WPT. With career earnings exceeding $12 million, he remains a symbol of Australian poker pride.
- Age: 58
- Total Winnings (2024):$12.9 million
2. Kahle Burns – The High-Stakes Hunter
Early Life and Poker Start:
ahle Burns, born in Melbourne, initially pursued finance before falling in love with poker. He quickly became a force in both online poker and live tournaments, dominating high-stakes games.
Why He’s on the List:
In 2019, Burns won two WSOP bracelets in the span of a week at WSOP Europe, cementing his status as one of Australia’s top poker talents. He has been inducted into the Australian Poker Hall of Fame, recognising his contributions to the game. His career continues to soar, with notable victories in Cyprus and Rozvadov.
Burns has earned over $11 million through his aggressive yet calculated style of play, making him one of the most formidable modern poker players.
- Age: 35
- Total Winnings (2024): $11.5 million
3. Jeff Lisandro – The Iceman
Early Life and Poker Start:
Born in Perth, Lisandro was introduced to poker by his mother. He moved between Europe and the U.S., becoming a renowned mixed-game player known for his expertise in Seven Card Stud.
Why He’s on the List:
Lisandro’s six WSOP bracelets, including three in Seven Card Stud during the 2009 WSOP (a record), showcase his versatility across poker formats. He was named WSOP Player of the Year in 2009, a testament to his dominance. Now residing in Italy, Lisandro still plays in WSOP events and high-stakes cash games, remaining a key figure in global poker.
With career earnings over $5.7 million, his calm, strategic approach has earned him the nickname "The Iceman".
- Age: 58
- Total Winnings (2024):$5.7 million
4. Mel Judah – The Silver Fox
Early Life and Poker Start:
Born in India, Mel Judah moved to Australia and became a competitive bridge player before transitioning to poker. His analytical background made him a feared opponent at the poker table.
Why He’s on the List:
Judah is a two-time WSOP bracelet winner, with victories in 1989 and 1997. A veteran of the game, his career earnings exceed $3.6 million. His win at the 2003 Legends of Poker and ongoing success prove that experience and skill can triumph over youth. Judah remains active in the poker world, particularly in major Australian tournaments like the Aussie Millions.
- Age: 76
- Total Winnings (2024): $3.7 million
5. Jackie Glazier – The Last Woman Standing
Early Life and Poker Start:
Glazier began her poker career later in life, transitioning from teaching to poker in her 30s. Her quick rise in the game has made her one of Australia’s top female players.
Why She’s on the List:
Glazier became a household name when she finished as the last woman standing in the 2013 WSOP Main Event, placing 31st out of nearly 6,400 players. That same year, she won a WSOP bracelet in the Ladies Championship. Beyond the felt, Glazier has become a mentor for aspiring female poker players, challenging the male-dominated status quo.
Her role as a public figure, including her appearance on Australian Survivor, has broadened her influence, making her both a poker icon and a media personality.
- Age: 50
- Total Winnings (2024): $1.45 million
6. James Obst – The Tenacious Grinder
Early Life and Poker Start:
James Obst, known for his persistence, hails from Melbourne and has been a force in Australian poker for years, recently cashing in 11 WSOP events in one summer.
Why He’s on the List:
Obst won the $10,000 Razz WSOP bracelet in 2017, overcoming a tough final table with top pros like David Baker and Nick Schulman. His relentless focus and resilience at the table have earned him a place among Australia’s best.
- Age: 33
- Total Winnings (2024): $3.45 million
7. Robert Campbell – The Reigning WSOP Player of the Year
Early Life and Poker Start:
Robert Campbell has been a standout player, particularly known for his mixed-game skills.
Why He’s on the List:
Campbell claimed two WSOP bracelets in Las Vegas, and in 2019, he held off challenges from Daniel Negreanu and Shaun Deeb to win WSOP Player of the Year. His ability to maintain composure under pressure has solidified his legacy as one of Australia's finest players.
- Age: 39
- Total Winnings (2024): $4.15 million
Michael Addamo: Rising Star
Michael Addamo is clearly on track to be considered one of the all-time greats in Australian poker, having established himself as the highest-earning Australian poker player, with nearly $21 million in live tournament winnings as of 2024. Now having surpassed the legend himself, Joe Hachem in total winnings.
But being relatively new to the scene leavers his lasting influence, legacy, and longer-term impact on the game still to be determined.
Michael Addamo is currently ranked 25th in the world. Known for his unmatched performance in high-stakes tournaments. Addamo’s calm under pressure, coupled with his aggressive and strategic gameplay, allows him to consistently outperform even the most seasoned competitors.
Addamo doesn’t just compete—he dominates. With four WSOP bracelets and wins in some of the highest-profile tournaments globally, his career trajectory continues to rise. His ability to navigate high-stakes situations and deliver in clutch moments places him among the best in the world, ranking him in the top 25 global poker players by live earnings.
Addamo’s recent form and relentless success in poker’s elite circles ensure he remains a top player to watch.
Michael Addamo: Key Stats
- Total Live Earnings (2024): $21 million
- Global Ranking: Top 25 in the world
- Highest-Earning Australian Poker Player
- WSOP Bracelets: 4
- Biggest Single Win: $3.42 million (Super High Roller Bowl VI, 2021)
Iconic Aussie Poker Moments in History
Beyond our top players, Australia’s poker scene has had unforgettable moments that helped shape its legacy on the global stage. These victories and performances are etched in poker history.
Michael Addamo’s 2018 WSOP High Roller for One Drop Win
In 2018, Michael Addamo claimed his first WSOP bracelet in the $25,000 High Roller for One Drop, pocketing $1,187,802. This prestigious event draws the world’s elite players, and Addamo’s win at Texas Hold'em solidified his status as a top high-stakes competitor, marking his rise on the international scene.
Jonathan Karamalikis Wins 2010 APPT Sydney Main Event
Jonathan Karamalikis took home AUD $459,510 by winning the 2010 APPT Sydney Main Event. Find more details here.
As one of Australia’s first online poker stars, Karamalikis proved that online skills could translate to live tournaments, bridging the gap between the two formats.
Gary Benson Becomes Australia’s First WSOP Bracelet Winner (1996)
Gary Benson won the $1,500 Seven Card Stud event at the 1996 WSOP, claiming $148,500 and Australia’s first WSOP bracelet. Benson’s historic win opened the doors for future Aussie players to compete on the world stage, inspiring a generation of poker talent.
Tony G’s Bluffing Brilliance at WPT Paris (2003)
At the 2003 WPT Paris event, Tony G became infamous for his aggressive play and trash talk, delivering the iconic phrase, “On your bike!”. Tony G’s antics and strategic bluffs turned him into a global poker personality, making this one of the most entertaining moments in poker history.
Leo Boxell’s 2011 Aussie Millions Main Event Victory
At 69, Leo Boxell became one of the oldest players to win the Aussie Millions Main Event, taking home AUD $1,050,000. Boxell’s win at such a prestigious event proves that poker is a game of skill that transcends age, making his victory a landmark in Aussie poker.
David Steicke Wins 2009 Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge
David Steicke won the 2009 Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge, taking home AUD $1.2 million in one of the most competitive high-roller fields of the time. The $100,000 Challenge at the Aussie Millions is a premier event for high-stakes poker, and Steicke’s victory solidified his reputation as one of Australia's top players in the high-roller scene. His win remains a defining highlight of his career.
Conclusion
From record-breaking wins to unforgettable moments, Australia’s poker legends and their historic victories have firmly placed the nation on the global poker map. Each event not only highlights individual talent but also showcases the growing influence of Australian players in high-stakes games. Whether it’s Joe Hachem’s WSOP triumph or David Steicke’s high-roller win, these moments have left a lasting mark on poker history.
Have a favourite Aussie poker moment? Share it in the comments, or explore more of our content for a deeper dive into the world of poker!
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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