Neil Channing

Neil Andrew Channing (born 9 December 1967 in Reading, Berkshire) is an English professional poker player and author based in Maida Vale, London. He is the 2008 Irish Poker Open champion. He is also the Ambassador for Sky Poker.

Before turning professional, he worked as a bookmaker at various UK racecourses, and now provides books part-time for various sports betting companies. He has retained a keen interest in betting, and can often be spotted at big events such as the Grand National and the Cheltenham Festival.

Channing's reputation as a stalwart of the cash felt is well known within the industry and his ability to grind out a wage on a daily basis at the Grosvenor Victoria Casino quickly garnered him the respect of his peers. In 2007, however, he turned his attention to the tournament circuit and began appearing in numerous events across Europe.

In March 2008, Channing won the 2008 Irish Poker Open and €801,400 (over $1,200,000) against a field of 667 players.

Channing has also enjoyed success on home soil, in particular in the GUKPT. In March 2010, he finished second in GUKPT London for £84,700 before finally capturing his first UK title in the Luton leg of August of the same year. Channing's victory for £64,050 elevated him into the top 3 of the all-time GUKPT ranking list.