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Alec Torelli (Poker Player) @AlecTorelli on x 14.9K followers
Created: 2025-07-26 03:27:31 UTC
Quick update on my WSOP post and my relationship with Phenom Poker, so you know exactly where I stand.
First, I did receive my WSOP cashout. I’ve never not been paid by them. After verifying three deposit methods, it finally went through yesterday.
My original post wasn’t meant to create FUD—I should have made it clearer that I believed not getting paid was a low-risk outcome.
The real issue is that this outdated process still exists.
Many said, “It takes 2–4 days.”
But that’s the point. We’ve normalized an archaic system. Just because something has always been done one way doesn’t mean it still should.
We're evolving (with Phenom paving the way) to a new architected system where your money is always yours, we don't rely on or have to trust poker sites to be banking intermediaries, and withdrawals will take 2-4 seconds, not 2-4 days.
Most people haven’t experienced this yet, so the skepticism is expected.
It’s like trying DeFi for the first time, or riding a Peloton, using an iPhone, or blending with a Vitamix. You don’t realize how mediocre the old system was until you’ve seen what’s possible.
Some criticized me for pivoting to promoting Phenom in that post. That’s fair. I could’ve framed it better.
Perhaps it was poor taste to do it in that way, and I apologize if it came off as a cheap attempt at engagement.
I’m just passionate about building something better for poker.
I lived through Black Friday.
There’s still some emotional tilt when I deal with anything that reminds me of it.
To clarify my relationship with Phenom: I’m both an ambassador and investor.
I only receive tokens for being sponsored. No cash.
I haven’t sold my ambassador tokens either, but even if I did, it wouldn’t impact the price.
The token is tied to rake and the value of the business as a whole, not supply/demand. It moves up and down every week depending on how much rake Phenom generates. (It's up ~6x since launch btw).
So there’s no way for me—or anyone—to dump on you.
I put my own money into Phenom because I believe in it.
No one tells me what to say on social. My content is always my own.
And frankly, I think having skin in the game increases credibility, not the opposite.
Would you rather someone promote a product they don’t believe in, or one they’re willing to invest in themselves?
How many people who promote a product on social actually invest in it, are equity owners, and have skin in the game, instead of just a paid shill?
In a world where trust is scarce, I aim to be transparent.
I’ve rarely promoted products over the years, and when I do, it’s because I actually use and love them.
I don't really do sponsored posts or endorsements of any kind, so when I do I can be all-in, like I feel about Phenom.
I’ll always be clear about where I stand so you can assess things for yourself.
If you’ve got questions, I’m happy to answer them.
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