Canada’s Ari Engel has been crowned 2016 Aussie Millions champion, overcoming a tough final table and the biggest Aussie Millions field in six years to claim the AU$1.6 million prize.
The renowned online phenom, who spent eight years in Melbourne as a kid, produced the biggest win of his already impressive career following an epic heads-up battle with fellow poker pro and WPT commentator Tony Dunst.
Dunst collected AU$1 million for his efforts, while Samantha Abernathy enjoyed the highest ever Aussie Millions finish by a woman to collect AU$625,000 for third.
The Aussie Millions has suffered somewhat in recent years by a congested schedule which has included WSOP A-PAC among a growing number of local events. But in an encouraging sign, this year’s 732 runners represented the fourth biggest field in the tournament’s 19 year history and the largest since 2010.
