Allen Cunningham Poker player, multiple World Series of Poker bracelet winner Date of Birth: 28.03.1977 Country: USA

1. Biography of Allen Cunningham
2. Early Years and Education
3. The Decision to Pursue Poker Professionally
4. Early Success and Achievements
5. Recognition and Nickname
6. Continued Success and Full Tilt Poker
7. Personal Life

Biography of Allen Cunningham

Allen Cunningham, a professional poker player and multiple winner of the World Series of Poker bracelet, was born in 1977 in Riverside, California.

Early Years and Education

Cunningham learned the rules of poker at home, playing with his family for fun. As a student at the University of California, Los Angeles, he began taking poker more seriously. His opponents were fellow students from the prestigious university's engineering department, who had high intellectual abilities, resulting in a highly competitive game. This experience proved to be valuable for Cunningham's future career as a professional poker player.

The Decision to Pursue Poker Professionally

After realizing the profitability of poker, Cunningham made the firm decision to pursue it professionally, leaving behind his plans to become an engineer. While initially losing at casinos like many beginners, his determination to become a professional player led him to continuously improve his skills. Eventually, Cunningham was able to make a decent living from poker.

Early Success and Achievements

In 1999, Cunningham had a breakthrough year, winning six major tournaments, including the prestigious Legends of Poker tournament. In 2001, he won his first gold bracelet in a $5,000 buy-in seven-card stud event, earning a prize of $201,760. By 2002, Cunningham had already won two gold bracelets.

Recognition and Nickname

In 2005, Cunningham received the title of Best Poker Player at the annual World Series of Poker awards. He takes great pride in being recognized as one of the best players in the world under the age of 35.

Cunningham is nicknamed the "Smart Pig" in the poker world due to his swift and decisive playing style, which often intimidates and demoralizes his opponents.

Continued Success and Full Tilt Poker

By 2006, Cunningham, at the age of 29, had been playing professional poker for seven years and had earned a reputation as one of the best players of his generation. He continued to excel in various poker games, including limit and pot-limit hold'em. Cunningham is known to live and breathe poker, even spending his free time at the poker table. He is particularly fond of games like "Omaha with a bank limit" and mixed games like HORSE.

Cunningham also dedicates several hours a week to teaching newcomers the intricacies of his favorite game on the FullTiltPoker.com website.

Personal Life

Cunningham's girlfriend, Melissa Hayden, is also a poker player and works as a photographer at poker tournaments. He also has a beloved four-legged friend, a dog named Muffin.