Chicago Bulls point guard Josh Giddey made his tournament poker debut at Crown Casino in Melbourne this week, and the 23-year-old NBA star posted a solid Day 1A result at the 2026 Aussie Millions Main Event.
Giddey bagged 168,000 chips and finished 14th among 136 survivors on the opening day. The A$10,600 buy-in event drew 770 total entries, marking the fifth-largest field in Aussie Millions history. The size of the field underscores the tournament's continued appeal in the Australian poker scene.
The rookie's performance carried genuine intrigue. Giddey outlasted a WSOP champion at the table, a notable accomplishment for someone playing his first multi-table tournament. That kind of result doesn't happen by accident. Either Giddey brought real poker fundamentals to his debut, or he ran exceptionally hot. The kid plays point guard for one of the NBA's marquee franchises, so he has experience reading opponents and executing under pressure. Poker demands similar skills.
His chip stack put him in reasonable position heading into Day 2. With 168,000 in chips, he held an above-average stack relative to the starting field size. The blinds structure and payout ladder would determine whether that stack could mount a serious run at the title.
Giddey joins a growing list of professional athletes dabbling in high-stakes poker. NBA players, in particular, have shown increased interest in tournament play over the past decade. Some bring natural talent and competitive instinct. Others bust quickly. Giddey's debut suggested he belongs in the first category.
The Aussie Millions itself remains one of poker's premier annual events. The 770-entry field demonstrates strong player interest despite the Australian location and travel requirements. The tournament attracts