The Chainsaw cuts through the opposition as he takes on our devilish deciders.
Ask anyone to survive with 15 bigs and they’ll say that you need a bit of luck… possibly with the exception of Allen Kessler. The poker legend, known as ‘Chainsaw’, has faced down 15 bigs more often than anyone.
Over the years, Kessler has proven that he has the poker chops to deal with virtually any situation and the World Series player who has cashed more than most in his bid to win a gold WSOP bracelet is more than capable of acting under pressure.
Can the Chainsaw deal with our tricky teasers or will he rust under the pressure? We’re about to get on it like a food voucher on the first day of the WSOP.
You’re on a long-haul flight and can only choose one TV Show or Movie to watch on repeat, which is your pick?
Curb Your Enthusiasm
If you were stranded on a desert island with one book for company, what would it be?
None come to mind.
What’s the song you could listen to on repeat forever?
Piano Man by Billy Joel
What’s your favourite place to play poker and why?
The World Series of Poker. Just seeing everyone, being stopped by fans, and the opportunity to win a bracelet every day.
If you were to be shot at dawn, what would be your last meal and drink?
Chicken Alfredo and Diet Coke
Where’s your favourite non-poker holiday destination?
I only travel for poker.
You can play poker every day for a year or play no poker for a whole 12 months – which do you choose?
Play every day. I do that anyway.
Who is the person you don’t have around anymore that you miss the most?
I miss Gavin Smith and all his jokes.
Which person would you most like to meet but never have?
I’ve met so many famous people. Maybe Larry David or Jerry Seinfeld.
When’s the last time life put you on tilt?
My $25,000 H.O.R.S.E. bust out with 13 or so remaining; trying to replay the hand in my head over and over to see if I could have done anything differently.
If you couldn’t play the WSOP Main Event next year, which family member would you put into the action in your place?
My older sister. She’s really smart and I could give her some pointers prior.
What’s your best poker skill?
Perseverance. I keep plugging away despite adversity.
And your biggest leak?
Not taking breaks away from the game – I’m always playing.
If you could make one rule change to poker, what would it be?
The big blind ante to be reduced to the amount of the small blind at five-handed or less.
You have just ten seconds with the person of your dreams… what do you say?
“I’m in awe just being in your presence.”
And we’re in awe of being in Allen’s. One of the most experienced tournament poker pros was never going to crumble. We call it as a double-up. Will Allen be travelling out to poker ‘paradise’ at the World Series of Poker Paradise festival later this year? Stay tuned to our Staking Page to find out!
