Matthew Kirk

Matthew Kirk, renowned as “Aussie Matt,” is a professional poker player and an early Bitcoin investor from Perth, Australia. He currently has substantial total live earnings surpassing $187.9K and an impressive best live cash of $118.6K. His participation extends to live streamed cash games on notable platforms like Hustler Casino Live, Super High Roller, Poker After Dark, and PartyPoker Live. Kirk currently faces losses exceeding a substantial $841.5K on HCL.

Matthew Kirk: Early Life

Matthew Kirk embarked on his poker journey at the tender age of eighteen in his local land-based casinos in Australia. Swiftly transitioning to private games, he chose to predominantly engage in high stakes live Pot Limit Omaha cash games, steering clear of online play. Despite his prowess in the game, Kirk gained notoriety for experiencing one of the most substantial documented losses in poker history — a staggering $3.5 million during a high-stakes PLO session captured on live stream. 

Beyond the poker table, rumors circulate about Kirk’s substantial wealth in cryptocurrency, with whispers suggesting he holds a sizable fortune of 66,000 Bitcoins from earlier investments, valued at an impressive $1.7 billion as of August 2023. Presently, Kirk leads a globetrotting lifestyle, frequently participating in televised and live-streamed high-stakes cash games and tournaments.

Aussie Matt Kirk Bought into $250K Cash Game Out of Boredom

He first caught the online poker community’s attention in 2015 when he entered the Aria Super High Roller Cash Game with a $250,000 buy-in out of sheer boredom. Matt decided to do so because there were no PLO games running and he was simply bored. He played against the likes of Phil Ivey and Antonio Esfandiari. That session didn’t go well for Aussie Matt, he ended it with hundreds of thousands of dollars down. After the game, poker legend Doyle Brunson described him as “a bit of a maniac”.

Unfazed by his performance, he emphasized his preference for PLO and mentioned the absence of suitable games as a reason for trying his luck in the high-stakes No-Limit Hold’em event. Kirk expressed his enjoyment, acknowledging the challenging lineup of pros in the game.

Matt Kirk Takes Legal Action Against Czech Tycoon, Leon Tsoukernik in $3 Million Loan Dispute

In 2017, Matt Kirk filed a civil suit against Czech King’s Casino owner, Leon Tsoukernik. Kirk claimed that Tsoukernik failed to repay $2 million of a $3 million loan extended during a high-stakes poker game at the Aria in Las Vegas. The initial game resulted in a $1.5 million loss for Kirk, who then loaned Tsoukernik $3 million for a rematch. Tsoukernik only repaid $1 million, leading Kirk to file the lawsuit.

Kirk argued that Tsoukernik committed fraud, presenting text messages and video evidence from the Aria to support his claims. Despite dismissal of some claims by District Judge Linda Marie Bell, Kirk pursued the case on grounds of “fraudulent inducement” and “unjust enrichment.” Rob Yong, a poker club owner, provided insight into the situation, describing Kirk’s regret over the loan and a failed settlement attempt.

Tsoukernik countered with allegations that the Aria over-served him alcohol, impairing his judgment during the game. He claimed the game was “unfair, dishonest, and non-competitive” and filed a countersuit against Kirk and Aria. This legal battle followed similar accusations in 2015, where Tsoukernik faced claims of failing to repay a significant debt from a high-stakes private game.

Aussie Matt Kirk Hasn’t Paid his Debts claims Max Silver

Aussie Matt Kirk is allegedly facing claims of unpaid debts, as disclosed by professional poker player Max Silver. Known for his involvement in the cryptocurrency market, Kirk’s financial situation has been a topic of discussion. The recent adjustment in stakes for the Hustler Casino Live $Million Game raised speculation about Kirk’s financial status, with rumors suggesting a significant decrease in his once-reported $600 million Bitcoin fortune. 

Max Silver, who conducted a background check, refrained from revealing the names of those Kirk supposedly owes. This situation marks a contrast to previous years when Kirk himself pursued legal action for owed funds. Legal disputes with Kings Casino’s Leon Tsoukernik were eventually settled out of court. Kirk’s recent participation in high-stakes games has reignited discussions about his financial standing, with silver hinting at potential debts. Despite the speculations, Kirk continued to play, contributing another $500,000 to the poker scene during the HCL show.

Aussie Matt’s Poker Journey on Hustler Casino Live

Aussie Matt made his debut on Hustler Casino Live in Episode 449 in May 2023, participating in the Million Dollar Game, a Super High Stakes No-Limit Hold’em session set at $500/1,000/2,000. Playing alongside Tony G, JRB, Nik Airball, and others, Kirk unfortunately ended the night with a substantial loss of -$500K.

Returning in Episode 499 in August 2023, he joined another high-stakes game, this time a $500/500/5K Pot Limit Omaha match against opponents like Mikki, Wesley, and Professor. Despite his efforts, Kirk faced another setback, leaving the session with a loss of -$150K.

Just two weeks later, in Episode 509, Aussie Matt took part in yet another Super High Stakes Pot Limit Omaha game, featuring stakes of $500/500/1K. Competing against HCL heavy hitters such as Charles, Fattal, and Danny, Kirk encountered another challenging session, concluding with a staggering loss of -$191.5K.

View the HCL clips below to witness the intense moments, including the $893K Pot, raising questions about the potential impact on his poker career.

Matthew Kirk’s Live Tournament Participation

Matthew Kirk has been an active participant in live poker tournaments, accumulating substantial earnings that currently surpass $187.9K. His journey in live tournaments began with his first cashes in January 2008, notably in the A$10,000 + 500 No Limit Hold’em event at the 2008 Aussie Millions Poker Championship in Melbourne. Kirk displayed his poker prowess, finishing 11th and securing his best live cash of $118.6K.

In his most recent tournament appearance in September 2022, Kirk engaged in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em event at the World Series of Poker hosted on GGPoker Online. Despite facing tough competition, he demonstrated his skills by coming in 59th and walking away with a respectable cash prize of $29.1K. 

Conclusion

Aussie Matt Kirk’s poker journey is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, showcasing his undeniable skill in high stakes live Pot Limit Omaha cash games. Despite facing a documented loss of $3.5 million during a PLO session, Kirk remains a prominent figure in the poker world. His legal disputes, such as the civil case with Leon Tsoukernik and recent debt claims by Max Silver, have added layers to his narrative, sparking discussions about his financial standing.

Kirk’s participation in the Million Dollar Game on Hustler Casino Live further fueled speculation about his poker career’s trajectory, with significant losses raising questions about his current situation. However, his consistent presence in live tournaments, from early successes at the Aussie Millions to recent engagements at the World Series of Poker, underscores his enduring commitment to the game. 

As Aussie Matt Kirk’s story unfolds, the poker community remains captivated by the unpredictable twists and turns of his poker odyssey, making him a dynamic and enigmatic figure in the world of high-stakes poker.