The 3-day event attracted over 1,000 entries and pushed the prize pool to $1.3 million
Johan Lees claimed the spotlight at the Australian Poker Open $1500 Platinum Players Championship, walking away with the title and a personal best payday of A$252,300 (US$162,000). The three-day event, held at Club Marconi in Western Sydney, saw over 1,000 entries and a prize pool totaling A$1.3 million (US$830,000). Lees fought through a tough field and came out on top after a dramatic heads-up battle with Daniel Neilson.
The final table had its share of big moments, including a key early hand where Lees turned a set of eights against pocket jacks, pushing him up the leaderboard. He later secured a vital double-up with pocket queens, helping him survive until the final three. When he eliminated Reece Bedot in third place, the stage was set for a tense showdown.
Heads-up play started with Neilson in control, holding a solid chip lead. At one point, he pulled off a major bluff that pushed Lees deep into the tank for nearly seven minutes. Lees ended up folding the best hand, and the gap between them widened. But the momentum soon shifted.
Lees doubled up after flopping two pair, and in the very next hand, he sealed the win. Holding ace-four, he called Neilson’s final shove on the river and saw he was ahead. Just like that, the match ended.
After the victory, Lees reflected on the win, calling it a satisfying moment after recent struggles. He credited his ability to adjust under pressure and enjoyed facing Neilson, a player he described as both skilled and fun to battle. While the prize money marked a high point in his poker career, Lees said it was the thrill of competition that meant the most to him.
He now plans to take a short break from poker with a trip to Europe before deciding on his next move.
