Fresh off winning the biggest title in Australian poker, Malcolm Trayner joins the Poker Pulse Podcast just days after taking down the Aussie Millions Main Event for over $1.3 million dollars.

Known online as “HappyWhale”, Malcolm opens up about his incredible journey from online poker grinder and WSOP bracelet winner, to finally getting the chance to play the Aussie Millions Main Event for the very first time… and winning it.

We discuss:

The emotional final table at Crown Melbourne

Nearly losing heads-up before an epic comeback

Winning a WSOP bracelet in Las Vegas

The story behind the “HappyWhale” nickname

Poker bankroll strategy after a million dollar score

WSOP 2026 plans and high rollers

Mixed games, mystery bounties and Vegas life

Australian poker's huge growth in 2026

We also dive into:

The new WSOP dealer rating system

Australian Poker Open smashing guarantees again

APT Adelaide

PlayLive Winter Series

Queen B's Coronation Cup

APL Million Fantasy returning

The new Aurum Room at St Johns Park

This is one of the biggest episodes we've done and an awesome insight into the mindset of Australia's newest poker champion.

Poker Pulse Podcast

Hosted by Craig Abernethy, Catherine Young & Troy Mclean

Follow Poker Pulse:

Instagram: @pokerpulsepodcast

Australian Poker Schedule: @australianpokerschedule

#Poker #AussieMillions #MalcolmTrayner #HappyWhale #WSOP #PokerPulse #AustralianPoker #PokerPodcast #LivePoker #TexasHoldem

Michael Mizrachi 1-on-1 with Cathy at the 2026 Aussie Millions Crown Melbourne - Poker Pulse Podcast

Cathy sits down with poker legend Michael Mizrachi for a special short-form Poker Pulse One-on-One episode.

Fresh off an incredible 2025 that saw him win the WSOP Main Event, earn Hall of Fame honours, and add to his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats, Mizrachi talks about bringing the Aussie Millions back into the global spotlight and what it means for poker in Australia.

From Aussie poker culture and high-stakes cash games to life lessons from growing up around the game, this is a relaxed, in-person conversation with one of the biggest names in poker.

Ep 22 - Aussie Millions Returns with Danny McDonagh, APT / PlayLive, Crown Melbourne

Australian poker is entering a new era and Episode 22 of Poker Pulse dives right into one of the biggest stories in the game.

We open the episode with a discussion on the recent APT and PlayLive situation, including the Poker Media Australia article, the broader implications for the industry, and how regulatory conversations in Australia compare to developments overseas.

From there, we shift into the return of the Aussie Millions, which is officially back in 2026 after a six-year hiatus.

We're joined by Danny McDonagh, Head Tournament Director of the Aussie Millions and Australian Poker Hall of Fame member, for an insightful and engaging conversation about his journey, the craft of being an elite TD, and what players can expect from the return of Australia's premier poker event.

Episode Topics:

• 2026 Nouméa Poker Series wrap up and giveaway winner

• APT Champs wrap up with Cathy

• The APT and PlayLive situation and recent developments

• Regulatory discussions including the VGCCC and global comparisons

• The return of the Aussie Millions for the first time since 2020

• Melbourne and Crown as a world-class poker destination

• What makes the 2026 series unique with its new April schedule

• Player experience including buy-ins, logistics and travel tips

• The role of a tournament director and pathways into the industry

• Behind the scenes of running a major international poker series

• The importance of dealers, staff and growing the poker ecosystem

• A recap of the Noumea Poker Series and recent Australian results

• What's ahead on the national schedule

A huge thank you to our growing audience for the continued support. If you're enjoying the show, please like and subscribe. It helps us grow Australian poker media and continue bringing you the stories that matter.

Hosted by Australian Poker Schedule founder Craig Abernethy.

Co-host - Poker Dealer, Player & Poker Media creato- Catherine Young

Co-host - Professional live and online poker player Troy Mclean.

The content and topics we discuss in this episode are all on the pulse!