Trayner’s Aussie Millions Win: What’s Next for the Champ?

It was only fitting that the return of the Aussie Millions was defined by one of the country’s fastest-rising stars.

Malcolm Trayner emerged victorious after a volatile heads-up battle against Dean Blatt, securing a massive A$1.3 million payday.

With his mother watching from the rail for the very first time, the win marks both a career benchmark and a powerful surge of momentum as he prepares for the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas this summer.

The Journey of a Grinder

Immediately after his victory, Trayner spoke exclusively to PokerNews and described his win as “unbelievable.”

“I thought I was going to lose heads up,” he admitted. “It was such a rollercoaster ride.”

The last time the Aussie Millions took place, Trayner was grinding $300 buy-in tournaments in Sydney.

“I’ve dedicated my life to poker the last eight years”

Fast forward to today, and he is the decorated holder of Australian Poker Open and Aria Poker Classic titles, a WSOP Circuit ring, a WSOP bracelet, and now, the Aussie Millions crown.

Despite the accolades, he notes that observers often fail to see the full reality of a professional poker career.

“I’ve dedicated my life to poker the last eight years. People often see the wins, but they don’t see the the grind and they don’t see the the losing months. Winning something like this just means an unbelievable amount to me. I can’t express how much it means to me to win the most prestigious tournament in Australia.”

Following his bracelet win just under two years ago, Trayner mentioned he had tried to “disassociate” from the prize money while at the final table. His strategy this time remained remarkably consistent.

“I tried to leave the money out of my thoughts completely and njust play my best game,” he said. “I felt I did that, and I also got great card distribution, which definitely helped me.”

A Mother’s Day to Remember

Trayner’s mother, Anna, was on the rail supporting her son throughout the final table. It was a fitting presence given the victory fell on Mother’s Day.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever come to watch him play,” she said. “At first, I must admit we weren’t the proudest parents of a son who decided to play poker. I can’t help but be eating humble pie now!”

Trayner himself noted that his mother’s appearance was a total surprise.

“She just suddenly appeared on the rail — I couldn’t believe it. I was like ‘Happy Mother’s Day!’ You couldn’t ask for a better Mother’s Day, and you best believe she’s getting a good Mother’s Day present.”

Transitioning from initial hesitancy to full-fledged pride, Anna emphasized her newfound support for her son’s career path.

“I think maybe it’s time to embrace this,” she said. “It’s not my path, but this is his dream, and maybe I need to get on board. “

Eyes Set on the World Series

With the trophy secured, Trayner’s attention now shifts to the World Series of Poker, set to begin in less than three weeks.

“I’ve already booked my trip, even before the final table,” he said. “Thhis gives me some nice spending money. I won’t gamble it all the way, but I’m keen for Vegas.”

Based in the United Kingdom, Will started working for PokerNews as a freelance live reporter in 2015 and joined the full-time staff in 2019. He now works as Managing Editor.

He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German. He also holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.