Danish poker pro Gus Hansen is the new 2007 Aussie Millions champ, boosting his personal bank balance with a winner’s check for $1.5 million after a close-fought heads up with the 19 year old online poker prodigy from Illinois Jimmy Fricke at the Crown Casino in Melbourne.
One of the most aggressive and widely publicised players in the tournament, which started with 747 players vying for a prizepool of some $7.5 million, the chubby Fricke pocketed a $1 million consolation prize for his adventurous play – and luck – in the 4 day event.
Eliminating Andy Black from Ireland, who collected the third prize of $700 000, brought Fricke into the final confrontation with the imperturbable Dane. It looked as if it was all over, with Fricke holding a massive three-to-one chip advantage, but the skilful Dane fought his way back to a see-saw contest for the lead.
In the end Fricke went all-in on the game’s final hand with a straight draw that didn’t work and the 19 year old collapsed under Hansen’s pocket aces.
Other finalists, and their pay packets, were:
4th Julius Coleman $500 000
5th Hans Vogl $400 000
6th Marc Karam $300 000
7th Kristy Gazes $220 000