Congratulations to Leo Boxell, 2011 PokerStars.net APPT Melbourne Main Event Champion (A$330,000)
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The 2011 PokerStars.net APPT Melbourne Main Event has finally come to a close and crowned its champion. It was over nine hours of tough play at the final table, with Aussie veteran Leo Boxell the last man standing and going home with the trophy and the hefty A$330,000 first place prize!
It is somewhat poetic that the first time the Asia Pacific Poker Tour made its way to Melbourne it would be won by a local boy, born and raised, and its hard to think of a more deserving player of the victory, with Leo Boxell a staple of the Australian poker industry for four decades and counting.
The final table was a hectic ride with many players putting themselves in good position to take down a victory, however, when heads-up play was finally reached it was only Boxell and New Zealander Phillip Willcocks who were still in the running for the title.
An early hand in the heads-up battle left Willcocks with a big lead, when Boxell got his stack in preflop holding 
and not being able to catch up against the 
of Willcocks.
Boxell had some work to do with a 3-1 chip deficit, and that’s exactly what he did, managing to claw his way back to a chip lead and eventually sealing the deal when he held 
against the 
of Willcocks, on a 
board. When all the chips went in on the turn and Boxell tabled his hand, the rail watched on and erupted in applause as a champion was crowned when the river hit the felt.
It was a hugely successful inaugural Melbourne APPT event here in the Crown Poker Room, with the city sure to become a staple on the Asia Pacific Poker Tour.
A big congratulation goes out to all the winners, and especially to the man of the moment, the one and only, Mr. Leo Boxell.
That's a wrap ladies and gentlemen, until next time!