Phenom Poker: Revolutionizing the Future of Online Poker with Community Ownership and Innovation

Phenom Poker is shaking up the world of online poker by introducing a groundbreaking, community-driven platform that allows players to not only enjoy the game but also own a piece of it. Founded on blockchain technology and a unique “Grind to Earn” model, players earn Phenom Tokens ($PHNM) as they play, granting them equity in the platform, voting rights, and passive income through rake sharing. With its decentralized approach, Phenom Poker is challenging industry giants like GGPoker and PokerStars, offering a fresh vision where poker enthusiasts have a direct stake in the platform’s success.

One of the ambassadors of Phenom Poker is Alec Torelli, who is also the owner of Conscious Poker. This training site is completely driven by the unique approach of Alec, and takes players on an educational journey in the world of poker. A few months ago, we had spoken to Alec already briefly and went more into detail about the start of his poker career, leading up to his success in events such as the World Series Of Poker. Also check out the second interview with Alec Torelli here!

Let’s see what one of the ambassadors of Phenom Poker has to say about the brand! 

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Melvin Schroen: Phenom Poker was introduced to the world of poker as the new hit when it comes to new innovative poker operators. Can you tell us more about the brand and how everything works for players?

Alec Torelli: Absolutely! Phenom Poker is truly revolutionary because it’s the first community-owned poker site. The idea is simple: as players grind, they don’t just play for short-term winnings, but also build equity in the platform itself. Players earn Phenom Tokens ($PHNM) through gameplay or by referring others, which gives them ownership in the site.

What’s exciting is that 50% of the site’s rake is shared with token holders weekly, giving players the opportunity to earn passive income through poker. In addition, token holders have voting rights. Any shareholder can submit a proposal for the community to vote on. Unlike centralized companies with a board of directors, decisions at Phenom Poker are made by a majority vote. The community can vote on changes to the rake structure, the addition of new games, or how to allocate the company treasury—whether for giveaways, sponsorships, or other initiatives.

We’ve also built Phenom using blockchain technology, which allows for instant and virtually free withdrawals and deposits. Players control their funds at all times, ensuring an event like “Black Friday” can never happen again. Phenom is not just a place to play poker—it’s a platform where you can be part of something bigger and actually own a piece of it.

Importantly, the Phenom token isn’t a speculative asset—it represents actual ownership in the platform itself and is backed by a real business. The token cannot be sold, traded, or transferred, except back to the Phenom Treasury if you choose to convert your equity into cash. This structure prevents speculation, unlike most cryptocurrencies. Think of owning $PHNM like owning stock in a company, such as Apple. The token’s value is tied to the site’s performance and is based on a multiple of how much the platform rakes. The more players on the site, the higher the rake, and consequently, the more valuable both the $PHNM token and the business become.

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Melvin Schroen: Why did you commit yourself to the brand Phenom Poker? Do you think this is the new revelation that can take it up against giants such as GGPoker, WPT Global, and PokerStars?

Alec Torelli: I’ve had other sponsorship deals in the past, but I’ve never been as excited as I am with this one. Phenom Poker isn’t just about offering a better product—it’s about bringing a unique vision and business model that’s never been done before.

The Grind to Earn model, which I coined, allows players to build equity in the site simply by playing. Instead of just earning rakeback, players receive Phenom Tokens ($PHNM), which represent ownership in the platform. The more you play, the more tokens you earn, effectively giving players a stake in the business.

This is a game changer because it aligns the incentives of players and owners in a way we’ve never seen before. Everyone becomes an owner, motivating players to grind on Phenom and refer others to grow the platform. I also suggested this idea of Phenomics, a theory that early adopters will earn more than 100% rakeback, assuming the site grows and their tokens appreciate in value.

I believe that once people fully grasp this model, there will be a rush for tokens, as earning more today will likely be more beneficial than tomorrow, assuming the token price appreciates as the site expands.

We even have a very lucrative referral program where players can earn tokens for everyone they sign up. Players who have larger networks can become agents and even earn a rake share of everyone they refer. If you have a large network of 50+, DM me and I’ll get you set up.

Can Phenom compete with the giants? I believe so. Phenom is built on community, ownership, and a better business model for players. Our goal is to create a poker ecosystem where everyone has skin in the game and can benefit from the platform’s success. That’s the kind of innovation that could carve out a significant place for us in the poker world.

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Melvin Schroen: We’ve spoken to each other before and went through the beginnings of your poker career. During the last WSOP in 2024, you had some epic runs once again, impressive! Are we going to see you just like your colleague, ambassador of Phenom Poker, Sergio Aido, in the biggest games in the world?

Alec Torelli: Thanks, I appreciate that! Finishing 3rd in the Mid Stakes Championship after a deep run in last year’s Main Event was amazing. I’ve been fortunate with some great runs recently. It’s also a privilege to be part of such a strong ambassador team, including incredible players like Sergio Aido. We actually played together on Day 1 of the 2023 World Poker Tour at the Wynn, and I’m looking forward to playing with and learning from him now that we’re on the same team!

As for the future, I plan to continue competing in both cash games and tournaments. After taking a bit of a break from tournaments, my recent success at the WSOP has really reignited my passion for competing in those big field events, so I’m hoping to play more of them in the near future.

That said, balance is always key for me. While I love poker, I have a full life outside the game—running Conscious Poker, sharing my experiences with readers, and investing in and consulting for early-stage start-ups. Ironically, this balance helps fuel my passion for poker. I only play when I’m truly motivated, which allows me to give 100% every time I sit down at the table.

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Melvin Schroen: It came to our attention that you will attend the EDGE convention in Dublin later this month. Can you elaborate a bit about this and for what purpose you will be going there?

Alec Torelli: Yes, I’m really excited about the EDGE convention! I’ll be giving a talk on The Future of Online Poker in the Age of AI, where I’ll discuss Phenom Poker as well. The convention is all about innovation and new ideas, and I believe Phenom’s model—decentralization, ownership, and token-based rewards—aligns perfectly with where online poker is headed.

The event coincides with the Irish Poker Festival, and both are happening at the same venue. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the festival and will also be competing. Additionally, I’m hosting a meet-up cash game on October 29th for anyone who wants to connect and play together. It should be a great opportunity to meet fellow players and have some fun at the tables.

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Melvin Schroen: Conscious Poker is your training course brand. For players who are aiming to get better in poker, do we have any special promotions coming up, which might give some players the final push to start realizing that study in poker is vital?

Alec Torelli: Yes, I’m a big believer that study is the key to success in poker. If you look at other great athletes, they all study their competition to prepare for the game. Chess players study theory to sharpen their tactics, and poker is no different. At Conscious Poker, we’ve always focused on helping players improve their strategic thinking and decision-making at the tables. We take a holistic approach, combining in-game strategy with essential intangibles like bankroll management, mindset, and running a profitable poker business to help clients reach their goals.

As for our latest programs, we’ve just launched the Poker Business Community, which gives players direct access to me, other coaches, and members worldwide. It’s a group coaching program where I guide them through a three-phase process to build a sustainable poker business. This program covers not only strategy but also the key intangibles I mentioned, helping players win more consistently and move up through the ranks. Learn more here.

Evaluation by PokerListings

We consider Phenom Poker as one of the new hits of the online poker industry. There are so many operators having the same kind of approach towards players, where Phenom Poker choses a different direction. It’s truly an interesting story and worthwhile considering to  start playing your online poker on the site of this new, innovative, site.

Besides the great business model, ambassadors such as Sergio Aido and Alec Torelli belong to the top of the ranks in tournament- and cash game poker. We are curious how Phenom Poker will be received by the players, and certainly will keep track on it! Make sure to check our Social Media channels for any further information, and exclusive insights!