Home Blog Exploring Jeff Lisandro and Australia’s Elite Poker Champions

Exploring Jeff Lisandro and Australia’s Elite Poker Champions

Last update: May, 2024

When it comes to labeling someone a 'top player,' it's a subjective term. Fast forward a decade from now, and the rankings of poker's crème de la crème could look radically different. However, for now, in 2022, let's zoom in on Australia’s top five poker talents according to their tournament earnings, as cash game statistics remain elusive. Australian poker Taking the coveted number one position on Australia’s lifetime earnings chart is Michael Addamo. At just 28, this Melbourne native has amassed nearly $20 million in tournament victories, beginning his career at the illustrious Crown Casino in 2012 at the tender age of 18.

1. Michael Addamo

It wasn’t until the competitive circuits of 2014 and 2015 that Michael truly began to shine. In 2015, he clinched victories in high-stakes competitions with wins of A$10,530 and A$8,100. Despite not taking the top spot, he raked in A$40,000 by finishing 21st in the renowned Aussie Millions. Another notable success came at Macau, where he bagged $24,897 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour by securing the 26th spot.

In 2016, Michael took on the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, triumphing in seven different events. His standout moment came in the $1,500 No Limit Hold ‘em event, where he placed third and pocketed $196,202, taking his total Las Vegas earnings that year to around $250,000, including an 807th place in the WSOP Main Event.^stPost-2016, poker turned serious for Michael, leading to consistent participation in high-stakes tournaments. Each year brought significant wins, amounting to several hundred thousand or even millions. Notably, in 2021, he emerged victorious in the Super High Roller event of the PokerGO Tour in Las Vegas, claiming a $3.4 million prize.^thAll these achievements cement Michael Addamo’s status as Australia's premier tournament poker player.

Following closely is Joe Hachem, the lone Australian to have clinched the World Series of Poker Main Event. Originally from Lebanon, Joe moved to Melbourne at six. His iconic win in the 2005 Main Event saw him bagging a life-changing $7.5 million.^thplace for $16,007.

A year later, Joe’s prowess was on display again, winning $2.2 million at the $15,000 WPT event in Las Vegas. Despite never clinching another major tournament, his consistent performance ensures over $12 million in career winnings, placing him second on Australia's all-time earnings list. Top payout Firmly holding the third spot is Kahle Burns. Born in Geelong, Australia, Kahle embarked on his poker journey in 2009 but broke out in April 2013, securing over $200,000 by placing 5th in the $10,000 World Series of Poker Asia-Pacific in Melbourne.

With each major win, Kahle grew more engrossed in the live circuit. Unlike the top earners with multi-million jackpots, his highest came when he placed third, securing $1.3 million at the Triton Super High Roller tournament in Macau.

Joe Hachem

Year after year, Kahle secured significant victories, securing his third-place position on the Australian earnings leaderboard with over $10 million. 2022, however, didn’t see another landmark win for him.

Occupying the fourth position is Adelaide’s Jeff Rossiter. Regularly participating since 2011, Jeff’s pivotal moment came at the Aussie Millions Poker Championship in Melbourne, securing third place and earning A$700,000.

Kahle Burns

2012 saw Jeff Ramsay his first major win by triumphing at the ACOP warm-up in Macau, bagging $229,276 and outpacing Joseph Cheong who finished third. His career-high cash out came in 2013, securing second place at the Guangdong Asia Millions in Macau, earning over $3,000,000. This duel loss to Germany’s Niklas Heinecker saw him face opponents like Isaac Haxton and Igor Kurganov on a challenging final table.^thDespite lessening his activity post-2017, his last cash at a poker tournament in 2017 saw him secure fourth place at the Aussie Millions for $330,000.

Rounding out the top five is Jeff Lisandro, perhaps the most iconic Australian poker figure. Known for being the first to win three stud events at the WSOP in a singular year, 2009 saw him walking away with three bracelets worth over $700,000, earning him 'Player of the Year.'

Three years before this historic 2009, Jeff secured 17th place in the WSOP Main Event, bagging $659,730. As of today, this still stands as his career-high victory, nearly two decades later.