Surf Is Up In Australia

It is January and it's cold. That alone is a good reason to go down under and visit the southern hemisphere. There is another reason that brought this large group of people to Australia - the 2008 Aussie Millions.

Taking place in Melbourne, Australia, the 2008 Aussie Millions has drawn poker professionals and celebrities, live tournament and virtual gamers for a fun time, and a chance to win part of the $10 million in prize money. The first prize will be around the $1.5 million mark.

Opening Day was split into three parts, with a total of 780 entrants competing for the right to advance and get closer to the jackpot. The Crown Casino in Melbourne has done a terrific job in hosting them, as did the pleasant summer weather outdoors.

These, and not the Australian Open, for instance, have drawn the crowd all the way to Melbourne. Among the hundreds participating in the richest poker tournament in this part of the world were Soren Ericksen, who came on top on one of the days, Joe Hachem (05 WSOP Champ), Annie Duke, Phil Ivey

There was room around the tables for amateur and online poker players too.

Canadian journalist Shaun Inguanzo managed to finish ninth in one of these challenging days and advanced. He has even defeated and ousted the 2007 Aussie Millions winner Gus Hansen and other professionals.

He was later eliminated by Gavin Smith, but not before giving hope and respect to the online poker players of the world, and some pride to himself as he confessed: "I was surprised I got so far but I loved it."