Allen Kessler

Allen Kessler is an American professional poker player from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with over $4.4 million in live tournament earnings. During his poker career, he has clinched four WSOPC rings. His most notable achievement came in June 2010, when he finished 2nd at the 41st WSOP, earning a remarkable $276,485.

Allen Kessler: Early Life

Born on December 20, 1961, Allen attended Temple University, where he earned a degree in business and marketing. He began turning casual poker into something more regular in Atlantic City, playing at the Taj Mahal and other venues, as well as playing slots and table games. In 2004, he worked at his sister’s business; she owns numerous businesses and is a multimillionaire. While working there, she provided a flexible schedule that allowed him to take extended poker trips.

Did Kessler receive his payout for his million-dollar jackpot win?

On July 30th, 2024, he was in an exciting situation at the Thunder Valley Resort & Casino in Northern California. While enjoying a Buffalo slot machine, he hit a massive jackpot that would significantly impact his financial future. However, this particular win came with important choices, primarily due to the rules set by the casino regarding large jackpots.

He opted to take the lump sum of $805,120 from his jackpot win. The casino’s rules dictated that winners of jackpots over $500,000 had to choose between two payment options: 20 yearly payments totaling $1.2 million or a discounted lump sum. Kessler’s accountant helped him weigh his options, looking at his age, inflation, and investment chances. In the end, Kessler decided that taking the lump sum was best, giving him a large amount of money right away.

Allen Kessler: Live Tournament Participation

Allen Kessler’s first recorded live cash occurred in May 2001 at the 32nd WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished 16th place in a $5,000 + 150 Omaha Hi/Lo Split 8 or Better, cashing $5,710.

In June 2005, Allen played in a $2,500 Omaha Hi/Lo at the 36th WSOP. He finished in 2nd place and earned $132,110.

Following this, in March 2007, Allen entered in a $9,700 + 300 No Limit Hold’em – Championship Event during the Foxwoods Poker Classic in Mashantucket. He finished 6th place and took home $136,452.

At the 41st WSOP in June 2010, he secured his biggest live cash to date of $276,485. Allen participated in a $10,000 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo 8 Championships and finished in 2nd place.

A year later, in June 2011, he played in a $1,500 Pot Limit Hold’em at the 42nd WSOP. Where he also finished in 2nd place and cashed $140,309.

Moreover, Allen finished in 8th place at the 45th WSOP in June 2014, earning $134,101.

Chainsaw’s 4 WSOP Rings

• April 2007: $500 + 50 No Limit Hold’em at the WSOPC in Las Vegas ($73,419)
• March 2013: $580 No Limit Hold’em at the WSOPC in Black Hawk ($20,859)
• August 2014: $1,675 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event at the WSOPC in Mashantucket ($170,031)
• August 2023: $400 Stud 8/Omaha 8 Mix Event #15 at the WSOPC in Rohnert Park ($6,314)