Ace poker stars flush with cash

West Australians have walked away with nearly $1 million in prize money from the nation's richest poker tournament.

Burswood casino regular Mile Krstanoski finished third among 659 players at the 2012 Aussie Millions Poker Championship at Melbourne's Crown Casino.

He won $610,000 and newcomer Patrick Healy, of Mandurah, finished fifth to win $300,000.

Healy, 48, said the competition had been a tremendous experience, where he beat some of the world's most respected players.

Among his scalps was the unflappable Phil Ivey, considered to be the best player in the world.

"He never shows any emotion but when I knocked him out, he lost his composure for a brief second," Healy said.