Shuffle Up and Deal with Aussie Millions Tournament Director Joel Williams and Australian Rugby League Legend Billy Slater
Shortly before the cards were in the air, Aussie Millions tournament director Joel Williams was joined by Australian Rugby League legend Billy Slater to officially get the first flight of the Aussie Millions A$10,600 Main Event underway.
"Last year the planning for this year's Aussie Millions started on the 15th February [two weeks after the finish]," explained Williams, "And it's a 12-month process. Huge credit goes to the entire behind-the-scenes team; marketing, PR, operations and analytics who all help to put on the show and make it the success I know it will be."
"It was only five or six years ago that the first opportunity to win an Aussie Millions seat didn't come until mid to late October. This year, however, the satellite campaign started in March, and we had people locking up their Main Event seats from the second week in March.
"It's an enormous satellite campaign, and particular thanks goes to our locals for their continued support. We're on track this year to generate 400 satellites. We never thought it would be reached, and it's a numebr not matched around the world. I'm sure all our international players appreciate how many locals win their way into the Main Event."
At this point Williams introduced Australian Rugby League star Billy Slater. Slater, who has played his entire career at the Melbourne Storm, has amassed 183 NRL tries during his career which is currently 2nd most of all time.
"With rugby you're always focusing on getting better rather than reflecting on what you've done," said Slater. "As you get older you're trying to plan for the future and I want to stay involved in the game with the media, and a little bit of the coaching as well.
"With poker...well I'm not a very good poker player, but I think I'll sharpen up my skills over the next couple of years and hopefully gain a seat at one of these tables.
"There's a lot of pressure in our industry, but at the table there's a lot of pressure and you've got to put yourself on the line sometimes to take the prize. There are some similarities, but I'm definitely more comfortable on the rugby field!"
"I’d like to personally wish all the best to everyone - good luck in the tournament here today. I hope that the poker gods are on your side. I don't think there's anything else to say apart from shuffle up and deal!"