Chainsaw Mixed Series of Poker Schedule at Planet Hollywood

The Chainsaw Mixed Series of Poker (CMSOP) returns to Planet Hollywood from November 9–20, bringing a packed 12-event schedule designed by none other than Allen “Chainsaw” Kessler, one of poker’s most vocal advocates for mixed-games.

Following another successful outing for the tour, this time at the Orleans earlier this month, where David Bach captured the Main Event title, Kessler’s fan-favorite series now moves to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip for its second run at Planet Hollywood after three successful editions at Caesars Palace.

“Players seem to love our mixed-event-only format, and structures are deeper throughout than the competitive events elsewhere in Vegas,” Kessler told PokerNews. “The numbers proved that out, as we consistently drew more players than similar events the week prior at another Vegas property.”

A Schedule Packed with Variety

The Planet Hollywood stop boasts nine $600 buy-in events alongside three $1,100 Championship tournaments, each giving players 40,000 starting chips and generous levels ranging from 30 to 40 minutes.

Players will enjoy games like Omaha 8 or Better, H.O.R.S.E., and Triple Stud, while Kessler has also confirmed that the first-ever five way Mixed Triple Draw is on the schedule, which has a rotation of A-5 TD, 2-7 TD, Badugi, Badacey, and Badeucey.

Attendees will also be pleased to know Limit T.O.R.S.E. (2-7 TD, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Stud, Stud Hi-Lo) also features heavily with a $600 event alongside the $1,100 Championship.

“Since introducing T.O.R.S.E. at our Caesars event, it’s taken over the mixed-game community and may be the current most popular mixed event,” Kessler explained. “I convinced Jack Effel to add that to this year’s WSOP, and it nearly doubled the field size of the prior year’s H.O.R.S.E. event.”

Kessler also addressed concerns about traffic disruptions due to ongoing F1 construction on the Strip, assuring players that parking and valet access at Planet Hollywood remain easy.

“The staff at Planet Hollywood assured me that it will be easy to park, especially if you valet, despite the construction,” he confirmed.

CMSOP at Planet Hollywood Full Schedule

$7,500 Leaderboard and Chainsaw Trophies

Building on the competitive spirit from prior stops, Planet Hollywood will also feature a $7,500 leaderboard competition, rewarding the most consistent performers across the series.

“We tried a $5,000 leaderboard at the Orleans and that really sparked a competition between several players,” Kessler said. “It came down to the last event with many players still in contention. This time, we’ve upped it to $7,500 and added Chainsaw-themed trophies.”

Players can expect a friendly yet fierce battle across the mixed formats, with Kessler noting that attendees often travel great distances just to take part.

“At the Orleans last week, many players told me they came from Florida and even Europe solely for the series,” he said. “I get asked every day about the Planet Hollywood stop, and I think it’s going to be a huge success.”

CMSOP Player of the Series Leaderboard Prizes

Players who cash in any CMSOP event will earn points toward the CMSOP Player of the Series (CPOS) Leaderboard. Each dollar won equals one CPOS point. For example, a $1,000 cash earns 1,000 points.

The top five performers will secure prizes, with the overall CPOS champion pocketing $3,000 in cash. The runner-up takes home $2,000, while third through fifth place will claim WSOP Circuit entries and additional cash rewards.

PokerNews to Provide Coverage

For the first time, PokerNews will provide live and editorial coverage of the Chainsaw Mixed Series. Live reporting will focus on the Day 2’s of the three $1,100 Championship events:

• Omaha 8 or Better Championship (Nov. 18)
• H.O.R.S.E. Championship (Nov. 19)
• T.O.R.S.E. Championship (Nov. 20)

“This is the first time we’ve had PokerNews cover one of our events,” Kessler added. “I hope it begins a lasting commitment. The mainstream coverage can only help promote the series and our future endeavors.”

Looking Ahead

While Kessler’s mixed-game project isn’t a full-fledged tour just yet, interest continues to grow from casinos across the country.

“This mixed-event concept has proven to be so popular that venues across the country have asked if I can bring a similar series to their card room,” said Kessler. “We’re probably going back to Caesars once their room reopens, and there are talks with several other venues as well.”

“The Orleans event was such a huge success during a relatively down time poker wise, that the general manager of the casino made a point to come down from his office and personally thank me for putting the series together.”

Check Out the Fall Freeroll & Follow Planet Hollywood on X

Alongside hosting CMSOP, Planet Hollywood is also a huge poker room promotion, the $250,000 Fall Freeroll.

Players who log 50 hours of cash games between October 1 and November 24 (25 hours each at Planet Hollywood and Horseshoe Las Vegas) will qualify for a shot at a $2,000 cash prize and a $500 seat into December’s $100K GTD event.

For updates on tournaments, promotions, and leaderboard standings, be sure to follow the new official X account @PHPokerLV. The page will post live info throughout the series, including daily schedule reminders, payout updates, leaderboard movements, and special announcements from the Planet Hollywood poker team.

Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game.

Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).