Ep 22 - Aussie Millions Returns with Danny McDonagh, APT / PlayLive, Crown Melbourne

Australian poker is entering a new era and Episode 22 of Poker Pulse dives right into one of the biggest stories in the game.

We open the episode with a discussion on the recent APT and PlayLive situation, including the Poker Media Australia article, the broader implications for the industry, and how regulatory conversations in Australia compare to developments overseas.

From there, we shift into the return of the Aussie Millions, which is officially back in 2026 after a six-year hiatus.

We're joined by Danny McDonagh, Head Tournament Director of the Aussie Millions and Australian Poker Hall of Fame member, for an insightful and engaging conversation about his journey, the craft of being an elite TD, and what players can expect from the return of Australia's premier poker event.

Episode Topics:

• 2026 Nouméa Poker Series wrap up and giveaway winner

• APT Champs wrap up with Cathy

• The APT and PlayLive situation and recent developments

• Regulatory discussions including the VGCCC and global comparisons

• The return of the Aussie Millions for the first time since 2020

• Melbourne and Crown as a world-class poker destination

• What makes the 2026 series unique with its new April schedule

• Player experience including buy-ins, logistics and travel tips

• The role of a tournament director and pathways into the industry

• Behind the scenes of running a major international poker series

• The importance of dealers, staff and growing the poker ecosystem

• A recap of the Noumea Poker Series and recent Australian results

• What's ahead on the national schedule

A huge thank you to our growing audience for the continued support. If you're enjoying the show, please like and subscribe. It helps us grow Australian poker media and continue bringing you the stories that matter.

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Poker Dealer, Player & Poker Media creato- Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Ep 21 - Aussie Poker Commentary with Liam Murray, PlayLive Melbourne Millions, APT / Aussie Millions

Australian poker is on fire right now and Episode 21 of Poker Pulse covers it all.

From a powerful zero tolerance stance on player behaviour, to the huge PlayLive Melbourne Millions, to major Aussie Millions news, this is one of our biggest episodes yet.

We're joined by Liam Murray, host of the 2025 APS Fans Choice Awards and one of the leading voices in Australian poker commentary, for a fun and honest chat about poker, media, big moments and the future of the game.

We also break down:

• The massive PlayLive Melbourne Millions series

• New PlayLive ownership and production upgrades

• AbbyPoker, Eric Baldwin, Alex Foxen and Jeremy Ausmus appearances

• An unusual final table payout situation

• Danny McDonagh returning as Head TD for the 2026 Aussie Millions

• APT Melbourne Poker Fest partnering with Crown

• Noumea Poker Series 2026 in Paradise

And we take a strong stand on behaviour in poker. There is no place in our game for harassment, intimidation or abuse toward players or poker staff including venue staff.

Thank you to the 6,000+ viewers who tuned into last episode and helping us pass 750 subscribers. The next target is 1,000. If you enjoy the show, please like and subscribe. It costs nothing and helps us grow Australian poker media.

Stay on the pulse.

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Awesome poker dealer & player, 2024 APL Millions Young Gun champion - Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Chapters

0:00 - Intro, Cathy's USA adventures and travel, Australian Poker Schedule

6:00 - 2025 APS Fans Choice Awards, Liam on hosting the night

11:37 - Liam's big weight-loss and recent surgery

12:47 - Last Episode Wrap Up and Feedback and Thanks for Support

16:13 - A serious chat on player behavior, Zero Tolerance

21:12 - PlayLive Huge Melbourne Millions, new ownership, AbbyPoker, Baldwin, Foxen, Ausmus

28:50 - New PlayLive Stream Setup, Cash Game stream, Mixed Games Academy stream

31:57 - PlayLive Stream Commentary and Liam Murray on poker commentating

44:10 - PlayLive Unusual Payout Situation Final Table Bubble

50:30 - Liam Murray, getting into poker and career highlight

56:30 - Liam's experience with 2006 WSOP Main Event Champion Jamie Gold and controversy

59:36 - Liam high stakes cash games his good mate Jake

1:04:12 - Danny McDonagh returns as Head TD to 2026 Crown Aussie Millions

1:06:25 - APT Melbourne Poker Fest partners with Crown, Liam commentating & Cathy doing the media

1:15:33 - Adrian Attenborough is back grinding in Australia, playing Star shot-clock series

1:17:52 - 2026 Noumea Poker Series Mar 14th-21st - Poker in Paradise Promo APS Poker Pulse partnership deals

1:20:08 - Wrap up, Follow us on Socials, Please Like & Subscribe

Ep 20 - New Australian Poker Cheating Scandal, Facts, Admission, Bans, Poker Integrity & Trust

Episode 20 – Topics Guide

Overview of recent integrity issues impacting Australian poker

Confirmed cheating incident and actions taken by organisers

Detection processes and why transparency matters

Punishments, bans, and accountability in live poker

The role of public statements and admissions

Community impact when trust is broken

Jade Mitchell interview segment fully unchanged and unedited

Australian GPI Player of the Year discussion, Male and Female

APS Fans Choice Awards

Nouméa Poker Series 2026

Responsible reporting and ethics in poker media

Community feelings, opinion and broader integrity discussion

Wrap up and why protecting the game matters going forward

Please like, subscribe, and join the conversation live

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!

Special Thanks

Jade Mitchell

Catherine Young

Troy McLean

Josh Mansell

Fred Braybon

Queen B's Poker

pokershop.com.au

Paid Partnership

Project SunRun

Casinos de Nouméa in New Caledonia

Edited & Produced by

Craig Abernethy

craigabernethy.com.au