Thursday, July 23, 2009

November 9 spotlight - James Akenhead


James Akenhead is a British Poker Pro and has just two World Series of Poker cashes to his name. Both of Akenhead's cashes came after deep runs on poker's biggest stage. James finishes as the runner-up to Grant Hinkle in a $1,500 buy-in No Limit Hold'em tournament during the 2008 WSOP, earning $520,000. he also took 39th in a 1,500 Euro buy-in No Limit Hold'em Event in the WSOP Europe festivities in London that year, taking home just over 3,000 Euros for the effort. James is a former railroad conductor who now competes on the green felts for a living.

Akenhead is a regular on the Grosvenor U.K. Poker Tour and finished 4th in the 888.com U.K. Open in 2008 after winning two preliminary heats. Akenhead is one of Britains top players, coming from a long line of pro's from the country including David 'Devilfish' Ulliot, Roland de Wofe, John Gale, and Liv Boeree. In July of 2007, James made his mark on U.S. soil winning a $1,000 event during the Bellagio Cup with a $41,000 prize. He's since cashed in tournaments around the world, including the United States, Bahamas, Germany, Ireland, and France.

James Akenhead is one of two non-U.S. players at the 2009 Main Event final table, joining Frenchman Antoine Saout. He's just 26 years-old and is the tournament's short stack. He'll likely have the support of poker's established pro's during the finale, who are looking to buck an ongoing trend of amateurs winning the Main Event.

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