Over $7 Million AUD in Total Prize Money Won across 36 Events at the WPT AUSTRALIA, as The Star Sydney Poker Returns in a BIG WAY to round out a Successful 2026 Campaign.
After constant uncertainty surrounding the future of Australia’s Premiere Poker Brand, The Star Sydney Poker ended the year in impressive fashion, with many proclaiming the 2026 WPT AUSTRALIA to be the “Best One Yet.”
Familiar Faces were seen constantly throughout the 3 week festival- the likes of Billy “The Croc” Argyros, Emmanuel “Curly” Seale, Rob Damelian, Travis Endersby, Ken Demlakian, Ehsan Amiri, Craig Blight, and Mark Seymour to name a few- seen enjoying themselves on multiple occasions.
Alex Thompson was crowned the 2026 WPT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT Winner on the Final Day of the festival, taking home $450,900 AUD and etching his name in Poker History and on to the Mike Sexton Cup. Honorable mentions go to Cooper Feltham, the WPT PRIME CHAMPISON EVENT Winner ($187,793 AUD) and Adam Kharman taking down the WPT AUSTRALIA $10K HIGH ROLLER finishing in 1st Place ($197,252 AUD).
WPT AUSTRALIA PLAYER OF THE FESTIVAL- Thomas Lee had quite the run inside the The Star Sydney Poker Room, victorious in both the Early Freeze & True Blue Turbo Events, and a 2nd Place finish in the $10K High Roller AND the NLH Triple Temptation saw Lee bank a Total $150,463 AUD in this years festival.
It was the first appearance for WPT Executive Tour Director Matt Savage at The Star Poker Sydney. Both Matt Savage (Play by Play) and Tanera Nathan (Colour & Analysis) provided entertaining and “educational” commentary during both the WPT PRIME AUSTRALIA & WPT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIP Final Tables.
The chemistry between the two Media Tycoons came naturally, as the pair debated various topics such as- Aussie Slang, Golf, NFL, College Football, and the most controversial point on the verbal agenda: What is Australia’s Unofficial National Anthem? Down Under or Waltzing Matilda? The LIVE Chat leaning towards the latter.
After 3 weeks of fun filled action, full credit must be given to the “Men Behind the Madness” that is The Star Sydney Poker namely- Martin Coughlan (Star Poker Manager), Brett Carter (Star Poker Marketing Director), and Michael Colston (Chief Content Creation Officer & CEO of Colston’s Camera) for their relentless work ethic, dedication, and attention to detail- making this years WPT AUSTRALIA “The Best One Yet.”
Til Next YEAR, stay up to date right here for Updates and Breaking News regarding Australia’s Premiere Poker Organisation, and I’ll be back in 2027 for more, when the Cards Hit the Felt.
-MCT.