Allen Kessler to Bring Mixed Poker Series to Atlantic City
The Chainsaw Mixed Series of Poker arrives at the Borgata in November 2026 for a series of championship events.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Casino
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Allen Kessler will host the Chainsaw Mixed Series of Poker at the Borgata in Atlantic City beginning November 4, 2026. The tournament schedule features a variety of poker disciplines, including Omaha, Stud, and Triple Draw variants.
Why it matters
The festival marks a significant addition to the local poker circuit, anchored by two marquee championship events with substantial guaranteed prize pools. It forms part of the broader Borgata Fall Poker Open, which is expected to offer over $4 million in total prize money.
The series features two championship events with $1,100 buy-ins, including a $25,000 guarantee for H.O.R.S.E. and a $35,000 guarantee for T.O.R.S.E. Non-championship events require a $600 buy-in for entry.
The players
Allen Kessler
Allen Kessler is a well-known professional poker player and tournament organizer.
Borgata
The Borgata is a prominent hotel and casino located in Atlantic City that frequently hosts major poker tournaments.
The details
The tournament series spans eleven days and highlights specific mixed-game formats like H.O.R.S.E. and T.O.R.S.E. The competitive schedule is designed to attract specialized players familiar with multiple poker variants.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: The series begins with a $600 Omaha H/L event.
November 5, 2026: The H.O.R.S.E. Championship begins.
November 6, 2026: The H.O.R.S.E. Championship concludes.
November 12, 2026: The T.O.R.S.E. Championship begins.
November 14, 2026: The series concludes with a $600 Triple-Triple Draw event.
Industry Dynamics
The series serves as a specialized component of the Borgata Fall Poker Open, integrating mixed-game formats into a larger tournament ecosystem. This reflects a broader trend where regional casinos host niche, multi-day series to draw dedicated players during larger seasonal festivals.
Players interested in competing can secure entry by paying the $600 buy-in for standard events or the $1,100 fee for championship tournaments. The schedule requires participants to be physically present at the Borgata on specific dates to register for their chosen variants.
The takeaway
Mixed-game tournaments provide a distinct alternative to standard No-Limit Hold'em by testing a player's versatility across multiple disciplines. Participants should prepare for the specific rulesets of H.O.R.S.E. and T.O.R.S.E. to remain competitive throughout the series.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming gaming events in the region, visit the Atlantic City Casino page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pokernews.
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