Seat 8: David Steicke (622,000)
Although a relative stranger to the general world of poker, it is here in the Australasia region that David Steicke has become somewhat of an icon since he took to the felt just a handful of years ago.
With his iconic Clark Kent-esque glasses, bright and colorful clothing and bubbly personality, Steicke's arrival on the poker scene in late 2007 was one of notoriety.
Kicking off his career with a third-place finish in the PokerStars APPT Macau High Rollers Event, Steicke proceeded to final table an event here at the Aussie Millions before notching three WSOP cashes – including a final table – before finishing off 2008 with a repeat visit to the APPT Macau High Rollers final table.
However it would be a late decision to play an event during the 2009 Aussie Millions that would see him etch his name in poker history as he became the first Australian to win the $100,000 Challenge after besting Tony Bloom heads up for a AUD$1,200,000. He followed his maiden high rollers win with another in late August before making another Macau-based final table in the APT Main Event. Finishing the year off with another title, 2010 would see Steicke register two Aussie Millions final tables, two WSOP cashes and four final tables in Macau – including another victory.
For Steicke, a win here would mark the biggest of his career, but just returning to the final table is a feat in itself as he has done so twice in two years facing some of the best players the tournament circuit has to offer.