Allen Cunningham is considered one of the best poker players in the world. He has won multiple World Series of Poker bracelets and made it to the Main Event’s final table four times. In addition to his success in live tournaments, Cunningham is a highly respected online poker player, with multiple wins and last table appearances on some of the biggest online poker sites.
Cunningham was named ESPN-Toyota Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006, and he came close again in 2007. Some of his poker peers voted him the best all-around player under 35.
At the 2006 World Series of Poker, Deuce-to-One won $3,628,513 in a single event. It earned him a fourth-place finish in the tournament’s finals. Cunningham’s previous best tournament finish was second in the 2004 L.A. Poker Classic, where he earned $256,000.
Cunningham became one of only a few players to have won a World Series of Poker bracelet in each of the previous three years in 2007. Bill Boyd, Johnny Moss, Gary Berland, Doyle Brunson, and Erik Seidel are among those who have done so.
On October 8, 2007, Cunningham won the $300,000 – “Mega Match” on Poker After Dark. On 7 December 2007, the inaugural National Poker League- Vegas Open Championship – Main Event concluded with Cunningham defeating David Singer in a heads-up match for $325,000.
On May 1, 2008, Cunningham won the 2008 World Series of Poker Circuit event for $499,162 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event, he finished 117th out of 6844 players, earning $41,816.
He is ranked 17th all-time in live tournaments, with $11.5 million in winnings in 2014.
He had earned a total of $7,097,407 from his 55 WSOP cashes as of August 2014, making him a contender for PokerListings Player of the Year.
So what makes Allen Cunningham such a great poker player? Here are seven key factors:
1. Tournament success
As mentioned above, Cunningham has had massive success in both live and online tournaments. He has won five WSOP bracelets and made it to the Main Event’s final table four times. In addition, he has numerous other big tournament scores, including a win in the inaugural National Poker League Vegas Open Championship Main Event.
2. Cash game success
Cunningham is also a highly successful cash game player. He has won multiple poker tournaments with buy-ins of $10,000 or more and is a regular in the most prominent online cash games.
3. Versatility
Cunningham is a versatile poker player who is successful in many games. He has won bracelets in Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and No Limit Hold’em and is also a successful online player.
4. Skill at multiple forms of poker
Cunningham is not just a good tournament or cash game player; he is good at all forms of poker. He is a thriving online player and has also made deep runs in many tournaments.
5. Mental toughness
Cunningham is known for his mental toughness at the poker table. He can keep his cool under pressure and make good decisions even when high stakes.
6. Ability to adapt
Cunningham is always looking for ways to improve his game and stay ahead of the competition. He is constantly studying the game and trying to find new ways to win.
7. Passion for poker
Cunningham loves poker, and he enjoys playing the game. He is always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his game. He is also very humble and does not take his success for granted.
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Bracelets from the World Series of Poker
Year- Tournament -Prize (US$)
2001- $5,000 Seven-card stud – $201,760
2002- $5,000 Deuce to Seven Draw – $160,200
2005- $1,500 No Limit Hold ’em – $725,405
2006- $1,000 No Limit Hold’em/w Rebuys- $625,830
2007- $5,000 Pot Limit Hold’em – $487,287
Winning the Mega Match on Poker After Dark
Cunningham defeated David Singer in the final Poker After Dark “Mega Match” round in October 2007. Cunningham has crowned the victor. The match winner would receive the full $300,000 prize money. The match had a winner-take-all format.
Cunningham’s previous best tournament score was $256,000, which he earned in 2005 when he won the WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star event.
Cunningham made the following statement after winning the Mega Match: “I’ve won many tournaments, but this is by far the largest prize I’ve ever received. Although it hasn’t completely registered with me yet, I’m sure it will very soon.”
Cunningham is currently ranked as the 17th tournament poker player in the world by PocketFives.com.
His total winnings from live tournaments had surpassed $11.5 million as of August 2014.