Joshua Duce Claims Victory in Aussie Millions Opening Event

Joshua Duce won the opening event of the 2026 Aussie Millions with a prize of $438,400 AUD ($315,648 USD). The event, which had a $1,500 AUD buy-in, attracted 2,144 entries, nearly tripling the $1 million AUD guarantee to create a final prize pool of $2,787,200 AUD.

The final table included Eng Chhor, Itsuki Aburatani, Michel Bouskila, Spencer Davies, Adrian Indoviro, Xin Li, Rachel Carolan, and Dean Schneider. Duce earned 1,080 Card Player Player of the Year points, moving into the top 200 in the 2026 POY standings.

Duce's victory was marked by several key moments. He won a big all-in with five remaining when his A♠K♠ held against the A♦10♠ of Spencer Davies. Itsuki Aburatani then knocked out Michel Bouskila, only to soon find himself eliminated when his pocket jacks were outrun by the pocket sixes of Chhor. The final hand pitted Q♠J♥ for Duce against the Q♦3♦ of Chhor, with Duce emerging victorious.