As 2025 turns into 2026, we’re talking to some of our favorite people in the poker world and reflecting on the year’s biggest stories and events.
Allen ‘The Chainsaw’ Kessler is a perennial grinder on the tournament circuit. The Hendon Mob ranks Kessler sixth on the all-time tournament cashes list.
Kessler recently experienced life on 'the other side', spending a day as Tournament Director at the RunGood Poker Tour during a series at the Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park, CA.
WSOP bracelet in 2026?
What’s the best thing that happened to you in poker in 2025?
The growth of my Chainsaw Mixed Series of Poker Tour.
We out drew the strip properties because players love our format and structures.
And the worst?
I had another losing year on the circuit. I had multiple chances for big scores, but they didn't materialize.
The gut wrenching one was busting the WSOP $10k PLO8 on a misdeal. I had already folded and was dealt A2KK on the redeal.
Did you fulfill your New Year’s resolutions?
I did fulfill growing my poker tour, but I still need to get more organized and get mundane things done on time.
What are your resolutions for 2026?
I plan to be better organized, grow my poker tour, win a bracelet in a mixed event.
What are you most looking forward to in poker in 2026?
Growing my poker tour. It really took off in 2025, and several new venues expressed interest for 2026
What’s your Christmas wish for poker in 2026?
I want to see more mixed events for everyone, especially TORSE, and venues copying my successful five-way triple draw format.
I want to get more TORSE buy-ins added at the WSOP series next summer, perhaps a $1,500 or $10K event.
Wynn and Hard Rock Hollywood have already jumped on the bandwagon and are offering TORSE every series now.
Can you give us the lowdown on your plans next year?
Same as usual but I won't be traveling as much.
I will try and run the Chainsaw Mixed Series in Vegas when the opportunities on the road are mostly no-limit events.
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