Allen Cunningham

Allen Cunningham does not have the same high-profile in the media as some of his young poker professional peers. This hides a fearsome and analytical player with a staggering $9 million in lifetime tournament winnings, 5 World Series Bracelets and numerous other accolades already under his belt.

Dropping out of UCLA, where he was studying to become a civil engineer, at the age of 19, Cunningham’s first experience with the game was grinding the low limits (and indeed freerolls) at local Indian reservation casinos. His civil engineering background can be seen in his play to this day – with a deeply analytical approach to the game.

First Wins

Cunningham’s first taste of real success came in 1999 at the Bicycle Casino in LA. In a 10 tournament series Allen Cunningham won two and placed in the top 10 in a further 4 events. This was enough to win the respect of his professional peers, he was named ‘best all-round player’ after this event.

Each year since then has seen Cunningham build on the initial success to become established as a respected and feared opponent on the circuit today. In the year 2000 Cunningham achieved a remarkable five top 20 finishes in the World Series Of Poker, though he would have to wait one more year before taking his first bracelet in the 2001 $5,000 buy-in seven card stud event.

This first bracelet was to be followed by 4 more over the next years. These include winning the 2002 Deuce to Seven Triple Draw event, the $1,500 No-Limit Holdem in 2005, the $1000+ Re-Buys No-Limit Holdem in 2006 and the $5,000 Pot-Limit Holdem event in 2007. Cunningham has joined a select group of players who have won bracelets in 3 consecutive years.

Biggest Win

His biggest ever cash in the World Series of Poker was a 4th place in the $10,000 No-Limit Holdem Main Event in 2006 – the year that Jamie Gold won. Though this prize was for more than $3 million, Cunningham was so disappointed to have missed out on the title that he left the venue without speaking to a single reporter or fan!

The respect of his peers and the poker community continues. In 2005 Allen Cunningham was awarded the ESPN / Toyota ‘Player Of The Year’ award. He has also been voted by fellow professionals as ‘Best All-Round Player Under 35’.

When not on the tournament circuit Allen Cunningham is also a skilled and feared cash game player. His best games include No-Limit Holdem, Pot-Limit Omaha and also mixed games. Cunningham has a quiet and unassuming presence at the tables – his mild manner, and excellent self control have lead commentators to say that he is only noticed when raking in a big pot.

Cunningham is currently based in Las Vegas where he lives with girlfriend and fellow poker professional Melissa Hayden.

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