Biggest Poker Wins by Australian Players
Australia’s poker stars have made their mark on the global stage, securing some of the most significant victories in poker history. Competing against the world’s best, these players have shown skill, resilience, and the ability to outplay internationally renowned competitors in high-stakes tournaments.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the Top 5 Biggest Wins by Australian Poker Players—highlighting the incredible moments where Aussie talent triumphed against elite opponents, proving that Australia is a serious force in the world of poker. These wins exemplify the rise of Australian poker on the international scene!
| Player | Tournament | Year | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Hachem | WSOP Main Event | 2005 | $7.5 Million |
| Jeff Rossiter | GuangDong Asia Millions | 2013 | $3.2 Million |
| Michael Addamo | Super High Roller Bowl VI | 2021 | $3.42 Million |
| David Steicke | Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge | 2009 | $1.2 Million |
| Kahle Burns | WSOP Europe/Poker Masters | 2019 | $2.5 Million |
1. Joe Hachem’s $7.5 Million WSOP Win (2005)
- From: Melbourne, Victoria
- Style: Tight-Aggressive
- Biggest Win: 2005 WSOP Main Event ($7.5 Million)
Joe Hachem’s 2005 WSOP Main Event victory remains the largest single poker win in Australian history, bringing home $7.5 million and marking a turning point for the country's presence in the global poker scene. This win not only elevated Hachem’s career but also ignited a poker boom in Australia, firmly placing the nation on the poker map.
The Game: Strategic Mastery
Entering the 2005 WSOP as a relatively unknown figure in the international poker world, Hachem approached the Main Event with a blend of tight-aggressive play and well-timed bluffs. The Main Event featured an enormous field of 5,619 players, one of the largest in history. Hachem navigated through this field with patience and strategic brilliance, rarely risking large portions of his stack unnecessarily and focusing on playing marginal hands with precision.
The pivotal moment of the tournament came during his heads up play against Steve Dannenmann, an amateur who had also made a deep run. In the final hand, Hachem was dealt 7♣ 3♠, a hand often considered weak.
However, the community cards helped him complete a straight, allowing him to outplay Dannenmann, who held A♦ 3♣ with top pair. Hachem’s decision to check the turn trapped Dannenmann into aggressive play, showing Hachem’s capacity to remain calm and calculated even in high-pressure moments.
Legacy and Impact
Hachem’s win was significant on multiple levels. It wasn’t just about the $7.5 million—it was the first time an Australian had ever won the WSOP Main Event, positioning Australian poker on the global stage. His victory cry, “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, Oi, Oi!”, resonated worldwide, becoming a symbol of national pride and establishing Australia as a legitimate force in poker.
The win sparked a poker boom in Australia, encouraging a new wave of talent, including notable players like Michael Addamo and Kahle Burns, who have cited Hachem’s win as an inspiration. Tournaments like the Aussie Millions gained international attention, and Australian poker became a more prominent player on the global scene.
Beyond his influence in poker, Hachem’s victory positioned him as a global ambassador for the game. He continued to perform at a high level, winning the 2006 Five Diamond World Poker Classic for another $2.2 million, silencing critics who thought his WSOP win might have been a fluke. His role in the global poker industry grew as he promoted the game, particularly in Australia, helping to nurture the next generation of players.
Hachem’s triumph remains the biggest poker win by an Australian, and his legacy in the poker world continues to inspire players worldwide. His calm, calculated playstyle in high-stakes environments and his contributions to the growth of poker solidify his place as an iconic figure in both Australian and international poker history.
2. Jeff Rossiter – $3.2 Million, GuangDong Asia Millions (2013)
- From: Sydney, New South Wales
- Style: Aggressive Play, Calculated Risks
- Biggest Win: Runner-up at the 2013 GuangDong Asia Millions ($3.2 Million)
In 2013, Jeff Rossiter cemented his place in the global poker scene with a $3.2 million runner-up finish at the GuangDong Asia Millions (GDAM). This victory remains one of the most significant Australian poker cashes, showcasing Rossiter’s potential as a young star in high-stakes tournaments.
The Game: Elite Field, Bold Moves
The GuangDong Asia Millions was one of the highest buy-in tournaments in poker history, with a $1 million HKD (~$130,000 USD) buy-in, attracting top professionals and wealthy businessmen. Rossiter faced off against elite players, including the eventual winner, Niklas Heinecker, a seasoned German pro known for excelling in high-roller events.
Rossiter’s ability to navigate this tough field was a testament to his strategic adaptability. His aggressive playstyle allowed him to build large pots against tough opponents, but his measured aggression kept him from overextending. The pivotal moment came in a heads-up battle with Heinecker, where Rossiter attempted a bold re-raise to bluff his opponent.
The final hand saw Rossiter holding A♠ 10♠ against Heinecker's K♦ Q♦. With a flop showing J♠ 9♦ 3♣, Rossiter’s aggressive play didn’t pay off as Heinecker’s straight completed on the river, sealing Rossiter’s fate as the runner-up, but still earning him a whopping payout of $3.2 million.
Legacy and Impact
While Rossiter finished second, his $3.2 million prize was life-changing and one of the largest wins by an Australian at that time. The GuangDong Asia Millions was a key moment for Rossiter, propelling him to recognition on the global stage and establishing him as one of the premier Australian players.
This performance also highlighted the growing influence of Australian players in the Asian poker circuit, with Macau emerging as a major hub for high-stakes poker. Rossiter’s success in this event showed that Australian players could compete in elite fields far from home, adding another chapter to the rising prominence of Australian poker.
Rossiter’s finish at the GuangDong Asia Millions remains one of the most impressive achievements of his career, solidifying his reputation as a fearless and talented player able to perform on the world’s biggest stage.
3. Michael Addamo – $3.42 Million, Super High Roller Bowl VI (2021)
- From: Perth, Western Australia
- Style: Fearless Aggression, Adaptable Strategy
- Biggest Win: 2021 Super High Roller Bowl VI ($3.42 Million)
In 2021, Michael Addamo claimed victory at the Super High Roller Bowl VI, one of the most prestigious events in high-stakes poker, with a payout of $3.42 million. Addamo’s win solidified his reputation as one of the top high-roller players in the world.
The Game: Precision and Aggression
The Super High Roller Bowl VI had a buy-in of $300,000, attracting the world’s elite players, including poker legends like Justin Bonomo and Sean Winter. Addamo’s play was marked by his fearless aggression and his ability to adapt to shifting dynamics at the table.
One key moment came when Addamo, holding A♠ Q♠, flopped top pair with a flush draw against Justin Bonomo, the all-time money leader at the time. By slow-playing his strong hand, Addamo was able to lure Bonomo into making aggressive moves, eventually trapping him and winning a significant pot. This hand allowed Addamo to build a commanding chip lead, which he never relinquished.
Legacy and Impact
Addamo’s $3.42 million win at the Super High Roller Bowl VI is not only his largest single cash but also a defining moment in his career. This victory propelled Addamo to the top ranks of global poker and made him the highest-earning Australian player, with over $21 million in live tournament earnings by 2024.
His ability to dominate elite fields and make bold plays under pressure earned him a reputation as one of the most feared players in the high-roller circuit. The win solidified Addamo’s status as a top contender in the poker world and further highlighted the growing dominance of Australian players in high-stakes poker globally.
4. David Steicke – $1.2 Million, Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge (2009)
- From: Hong Kong (Australian Citizen)
- Style: Patient, Selective Aggression
- Biggest Win: 2009 Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge ($1.2 Million)
In 2009, David Steicke captured the Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge title, taking home $1.2 million in one of the toughest high-stakes fields of the time. This win remains one of the defining moments of Steicke’s career and a significant achievement in Australian poker.
The Game: Patience and Traps
The Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge attracts high-roller regulars and some of the biggest names in poker, including pros like Tony G and Erik Seidel. Steicke, relatively under the radar compared to his competitors, used a strategy of patient, and selective aggression to gain the upper hand.
A key moment in the tournament came when Steicke slow-played pocket Kings against Tony G, known for his brash, aggressive playstyle. Steicke’s patience paid off as Tony G bet aggressively into him, allowing Steicke to build a large pot while holding the dominant hand. His ability to stay calm and calculated gave him an edge over more aggressive players.
Legacy and Impact
Steicke’s victory was significant, demonstrating that patience and restraint can win out in high-stakes fields filled with aggressive pros. His $1.2 million payday was one of the largest at the time for an Australian player and established Steicke as a key player in high-roller events.
This win also solidified the Aussie Millions as a premier event on the global poker calendar, highlighting the strength of Australian players in the high-stakes arena. While Steicke may not be as active today, his victory remains one of the highlights of Australian poker, showcasing the depth of talent in the country.
5. Kahle Burns – $2.5 Million, 2019 WSOP Europe and Poker Masters
- From: Geelong, Victoria
- Style: High-Risk, High-Reward
- Biggest Win: 2019 WSOP Europe/Poker Masters ($2.5 Million)
In 2019, Kahle Burns made a dramatic impact on the global poker scene, earning over $2.5 million across two major series: WSOP Europe and the Poker Masters. These back-to-back victories helped establish Burns as one of Australia’s most successful and prominent poker professionals.
The Game: Bold Moves and Strategic Versatility
Burns’ breakthrough came during WSOP Europe in October 2019, where he won two prestigious WSOP bracelets in a single week. Burns displayed an aggressive, high-risk strategy that paid off in pivotal moments. He first claimed victory in the €25,500 Platinum High Roller, overcoming a tough final table, and then followed up by winning the €2,500 Short Deck Hold’em Event.
Burns faced some of the biggest names in poker, including Daniel Negreanu and Anthony Zinno, which further elevated the importance of his wins.
Burns' heads-up play against Sam Soverel in the Poker Masters showcased his versatility and ability to shift gears in different formats. During the heads-up battle with Soverel, Burns held Q♣ 10♠ on a board of K♦ J♣ 9♦, completing a straight on the flop and trapping Soverel into betting with his two pair, ultimately securing the Poker Masters title.
Burns used a combination of strategic bluffs and aggressive betting to take down the high-stakes event, winning over $2.5 million in total for the year.
Legacy and Impact
Burns’ 2019 run solidified him as one of the most talented and aggressive Australian players. His two WSOP bracelets put him in the upper echelon of poker pros, and his total earnings for the year positioned him among the world's elite high-roller players.
His bold playstyle, particularly his bluffs and strategic use of aggression, established him as a force to be reckoned with in any format, whether it was short deck or traditional No-Limit Hold'em.
Burns’ victories in 2019 also contributed to the broader narrative of Australia’s rise in the international poker scene. Alongside players like Michael Addamo, Burns has become a representative of the new generation of Australian poker players who are not only succeeding in local events but dominating on the global stage.
His success encouraged more Australians to venture into high-stakes poker, further boosting Australia’s reputation in the poker world.
Australia's All-Time Money List 2024
| Rank | Country | Player | Total Winnings | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | Michael Addamo | $22,564,762 | 20 |
| 2 | Australia | Kahle Burns | $13,238,840 | 50 |
| 3 | Australia | Joe Hachem | $12,917,981 | 83 |
| 4 | Australia | Adrian Attenborough | $7,460,876 | 206 |
| 5 | Australia | Jeff Rossiter | $6,650,069 | 279 |
| 6 | Australia | Jeff Lisandro | $5,802,035 | 345 |
| 7 | Australia | Jonathan Karamalikis | $4,812,030 | 446 |
| 8 | Australia | Alexander Lynskey | $4,565,867 | 498 |
| 9 | Australia | Daniel Neilson | $4,168,760 | 567 |
| 10 | Australia | James Obst | $4,025,252 | 601 |
Conclusion
These wins by Australia’s top poker stars show just how powerful the country’s presence has become on the global poker stage. From Joe Hachem’s legendary WSOP triumph to Kahle Burns’ breakout year, each of these victories highlights the talent, poker strategy, and boldness of Australian players in the toughest tournaments worldwide.
As Aussie poker continues to grow, we’re sure to see even more unforgettable moments.
Share your favourite Aussie poker win in the comments below!
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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