Allen ‘The Chainsaw’ Kessler is an enigma and a perennial grinder on the tournament circuit. The Hendon Mob ranks Kessler sixth on the all-time tournament cashes list with 512, including 117 at the WSOP and WSOPE and 139 at WSOP Circuit events, where he's won four rings.
Allen took precious time away from mixed events at the LAPC at the Commerce to give us his take on the 2025 World Series of Poker schedule.
What were your favorite events on the schedule last year, and which ones are you planning to play this summer?
I love playing the low buy-in $1,500 huge field mixed events. O8, HORSE, and limit triple draw are my favorites. The $2500 OE mix is one I always look forward to as well.
I don't plan an exact schedule, but I play literally every day. Mixed games are the priority, followed by senior events and low buy-in huge field NLH or PLOs.
What are you excited for on the 2025 schedule?
I asked for my dream event, and Jack Effel came through. I introduced TORSE at my Caesars Mixed Series about 18 months ago. It’s taken off.
Many mixed players just despise limit hold’em in HORSE and love Triple Draw. This solves both issues. There were too many HORSE events last year, with a $1,500, $3,000, $10,000, and a $25,000.
I pleaded with Jack for a TORSE. First, we got a WSOP Circuit event with a $50K guarantee at Horseshoe this March, and now we've got the first ever TORSE bracelet this summer at the WSOP. I can't wait! This event will be a $3,000 bracelet event at the end of the WSOP this year and replace the $3,000 HORSE event.
Now that WSOP is under the leadership of GGPoker, are you expecting things overall to be different or business as usual?
Although this year's overall schedule is nearly identical to last year's, I expect more ways to qualify online for live events and possibly some online bracelet events other than the normal PLO or NL offerings.
I also expect more highroller PLO, no limit, and combo events like NLH/PLO since that is what GG offered at Paradise.
What has been your pet peeve recently at the WSOP, and do you think it will be sorted out this year?
Actually, Jack and his crew run the whole WSOP seamlessly. If I had to single out a pet peeve, it would be handling the waiting lines on some big field NL events.
The WSOP+ App in Paradise basically eliminated this issue as you buy in, get your seat, and are verified by the dealer in one easy step. I don't see this happening at the WSOP yet, but I was really impressed.
Another pet peeve is the food situation. There aren't really any options for having food delivered to your table. I usually end up eating off-property at a fast food restaurant.
A great option, though, is the downstairs food court. There are several items to hold you over that are under $10. Once, I bought a $7.99 pasta order on a break. When I got to my table, someone offered me $20 for it! I said OK and repurchased the same pasta on the next break.
How many events do you play each summer? And what mixed event do you love the most?
I play every day, so around 40 events or so. My favorite event is probably the $1,500 2-7 triple draw, although $2,500 OE is a close second. Also, I’m looking forward to the first ever TORSE bracelet event.
Who is your biggest rival in the mixed games, and why?
Ari Engel and I travel on the same low-limit mixed tour throughout the year, so we naturally have a rivalry. I try to keep up with Roland Israelashvili and his cashes at the WSOP.
Shaun Deeb loves to rip me even though he chose me on his WSOP $25k fantasy team a few years ago. When I'm at his table, he goes out of his way to put me in tough spots, especially when I'm out of position in the blinds.
I want to mention that Miami John Cernuto has the most cashes and wins in a storied career. He also has the respect of the entire poker world. They should make an exception and immediately put [Miami John] in the Poker Hall of Fame. Last year, John had six deep runs at the WSOP, including a 3rd place at 80 years old while suffering from cancer.
Follow Allen Kessler on X.
Photos courtesy of Graton Poker/Hayley Hochstetler
