The 2025 Australian Poker Open wrapped up in April at Sydney’s Club Marconi, delivering two weeks of high-stakes action and standout performances. Running from 14 to 28 April, the prestigious poker series featured 30 events and attracted top-tier talent from around Australia and abroad.
One of the major highlights was the A$1,500 no-limit Hold’em Platinum Players Championship, which came with a guaranteed prize pool of A$1,000,000. After five intense starting flights and 1,000 total entries, the prize pool surged to A$1.3 million.
When the dust settled, it was Manly’s own Johan Lees who claimed the title, taking home A$252,300, the largest cash prize of his career. This win marked his third tournament title of the year, following victories in Cambodia and on the Gold Coast. Lees’ consistent performances in 2025 have firmly established him as a serious contender in the competitive world of tournament poker.
While live events like the Australian Poker Open draw crowds and excitement, the talk around major wins has also inspired fans to get in on the action themselves. As a result, many are turning to offshore platforms to test their poker skills. Online casinos have seen a surge in interest, offering players the chance to join real-money games using crypto from anywhere in the country. These platforms deliver fast-paced, decentralised gameplay that mirrors the strategic depth of live tournaments, while allowing players to use cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals (source: coinpokeraustralia.com). It’s a natural extension of the poker growth, where convenience, privacy, and round-the-clock access meet serious competition.
Lees’ path to victory wasn’t easy. Heading into Day 2, he sat in the middle of the pack, while fellow Aussie Jennifer Cassell held the chip lead. Originally scheduled to conclude that day, the tournament was extended with an unscheduled Day 3 due to the deep and highly-skilled field. Cassell ultimately finished fifth, taking home A$36,992.
The final table included a strong mix of local and international players, among them Daniel Neilson, a seasoned competitor with nearly A$5 million in live tournament earnings. Neilson’s calm and calculated play carried him to the final two, but a bold bluff against Lees’ top pair of aces fell short. Neilson finished as runner-up, earning A$94,272.
Lees’ win also added 960 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points to his record, bringing his 2025 total to 1,575, placing him 60th in the global rankings. With his live career earnings now surpassing A$300,000, it’s clear that Lees is on an impressive trajectory in the international poker tournaments.
For the moment, Johan Lees stands at centre stage, trophy in hand, as Australia’s latest poker champion. His remarkable run in Sydney has not only elevated his profile but also positioned him as a player to watch on the international stage. As he builds momentum in the global rankings and adds to his growing list of accomplishments, Lees is fast becoming a symbol of the new wave of talent reshaping the future of Australian poker.
