Allen Kessler has carved out a unique path in the poker world over the years. Known as a mixed-event specialist, he has built his reputation by consistently playing in smaller tournaments, pursuing value both at and off the table, and even creating his own tournament series. His style may not always be flashy, but it is consistently excellent—and he occasionally experiences a hot streak.
That was exactly the case this March.
Kessler quietly achieved a remarkable "two-title" feat, winning gold rings in the same mixed-format event at two different poker circuits.
Win the RGPS championship in Borgata
The first victory came from the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) held in Borgata.
Kessler won the TORSE event with a $400 buy-in, defeating a field of 52 players. The tournament ended in a three-way agreement to split the prize money, with each player receiving $4,090, but Kessler took home the RGPS passport gold ring.
Final table prize money distribution
| Ranking | player | country | bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allen Kessler | United States | $4,090 |
| 2 | Patrick McCarthy | United States | $4,090 |
| 3 | Vincent Basilicata | United States | $4,090 |
| 4 | Lisa Clay | United States | $1,690 |
| 5 | George Jannes | United States | $1,250 |
| 6 | Stanley Davis | United States | $1,050 |
| 7 | Ethan Bennett | United States | $900 |
He won his fifth WSOP Circuit gold ring in Las Vegas.
Kessler's second victory this month came at a WSOP Circuit event in Las Vegas. He won the TORSE event with a $600 buy-in.
The tournament attracted 119 participants, forming a solid field for this relatively new hybrid format event. Kessler fought his way through the competition to win the championship, taking home $15,933 in prize money and adding another trophy to his collection.
This victory marks his fifth WSOP Circuit gold ring. His previous title record dates back to 2007 and covers various formats, including no-limit Texas Hold'em and mixed events.
Just like his victory at RGPS earlier this month, this time he also won in the TORSE format—which replaces Texas Hold'em with a triple draw, a format that Kessler has supported for years and is clearly good at.
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