Tony Hachem and the Australian Poker Tour are reimagining the future of poker.

Tony Hachem and the Australian Poker Tour (APT) are redefining poker as a "mind sport" through innovative models such as no rake and ticket sales, and are targeting mainstream sponsorships and national expansion.

The absence of the Aussie Millions for the past six years has been felt by the entire Australian poker community. Even Tony Hachem admitted that he had doubted whether the tournament would ever return.

However, during its absence, Australian poker has changed. It has become more modern and professional. While the community awaits the return of its crown jewel, new brands and tours have emerged to satisfy the vast number of players eager for competition.

The most important one is Australian Poker Tour (APT)This is a Hachem initiative to help transform local bases into national powers.

The Evolution of the Australian Poker Tour

“Poker is very important in Australia,” Hachem told PokerNews. “When I first got involved with the Australian Poker Tour, it was just a well-known bar poker tour. We have now solidified our position as a top tour, and our goal is to provide players with a top-tier experience.”

"I think most poker players, not just Australian players, would be willing to play even in their garage if the prize pool was attractive enough! There's no doubt about that."

A key focus of the tour is to take poker out of the casino and into what Hachem calls a “sports environment.”

"I think most poker players, not just Australian players, would be willing to play even in their garage if the prize pool is attractive enough. That's a fact. Right now, no matter how loudly I proclaim it's a sport, as long as poker is played in a casino, it will be viewed in a certain way."

He continued, "Things don't necessarily have to be that way. Poker involves a lot of critical thinking. In poker, you use the same skills you use in life, in sports, in business—whatever it is, you bring it to the poker table. It's that kind of competition."

Redefining poker as a "mental sport"

By adopting a no-commission model, Hachem Management Group has sought approval from the Victorian Gaming and Recreation Commission to sell tickets through a formal ticketing system, just like for watching sporting events.

"If you're playing player against player, not against the dealer, or if the dealer doesn't take a cut, then to me it's a sport. It's a mental sport. That's recognized by the International Mental Sports Association and the World Poker Federation. That means we can go to the government and say, 'Hey, this is how poker should be viewed.'"

Hachem stated that not taking a cut has opened the door for mainstream sponsors. "I believe that if we can re-educate players' mindsets and get government support, we can change the entire landscape."

"Let's imagine that Mercedes-Benz has provided $2 million. We've gathered 100 of the world's best players to compete against each other. Where's the gambling? There's nothing wrong with playing tournament poker. We'll strive to make poker a respected game, a game where players can hold their heads high. It's all about mindset."

World-class championship experience

Hachem intends to make APT offer the same tournament experience as any other major global tour.

"In Europe, there's the European Poker Tour, and players travel specifically to participate in that tour. Tournament players know they have to travel to play in the best tournaments and run the best events. Australia is no exception; our players travel between states, not between countries."

"Just talking to some professional players around the world, they actually want to come to APT, and some even want to work with us."

The Australian Poker Tour previously partnered with Michael Mizrachi, the 2025 WSOP Main Event champion and an Aussie Millions ambassador.

"Mizrachi was a very important advocate for the APT before winning the WSOP," Hachem said. "He's a very good friend of mine. We actually named 'The Grind' tournament after him."

They are also seeking partnerships with poker operators in each state. Hachem's message is clear: "We want to be a tour they're willing to work with."

From media exposure to potential broadcasting deals, Hachem still has ambitious goals for the tour.

"Hachem Management Group's goal has always been to give back to the community. In Victoria, we hold a minor gaming license to host these events. We are the only company in Australia to do so."

The Legend of Aussie Millions

Aussie Millions remains the race that the Hachem family feels closest to.

"Speaking on behalf of Joe and the entire Australian poker community, Aussie Millions are deeply connected to us. Through our partnership with Aussie Millions and Crown, we hope to grow it. We have played a vital role with our brand and influence as a national circuit, and we will continue to play that role."

The Australian live poker market is on a growth trajectory, but the return of Aussie Millions could trigger a sharp rise in 2027 and beyond.

"It's a bit like the World Series of Poker. You know, after the Moneymaker craze, there were Greg Raymer and Joe Hachem. I know a lot of American players are annoyed that they couldn't participate in the Aussie Millions this year. Next year, I think the number of participants will increase. But, you see, there are a lot of poker tournaments going on right now. We're focused on organic growth."

With the Aussie Millions coming to an end, Hachem will return its focus to the Australian Poker Tour and expand its reach across the country.

"We are considering adding state-level and national-level ambassadors. Because poker in Australia is not limited to Melbourne. We are a circuit, and we just want to keep moving forward and developing the sport of poker."

Common Mistakes Review: Why Do You Keep Losing? The Problem Lies Here

Most players lose money not because of luck, but because they repeat the same mistakes.

These debriefings will help you identify the most common mistakes and understand how to correct them:
Why does constantly calling cause you to lose money?
[Bluff Imbalance] What are the costs of excessive bluffing?
Why do you always lose on the last street? [Never fold]
[Slow Play Error] Why do I lose big pots when I play slowly?
What's the problem with betting too small?
Why do people lose money when they bet too much?
[Emotional Issues] How do emotions affect your decision-making?
[Range Misjudgment] Analysis of Errors Caused by a Lack of Understanding of Range
[Location Ignore] What are the consequences of ignoring location?
[Misinterpreting People] The Impact of Misinterpreting an Opponent's Behavior

Avoiding mistakes is more important than learning new skills. By reviewing these common mistakes, you can quickly identify your weaknesses, correct your decision-making habits, and reduce unnecessary losses.

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