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