James Akenhead first came to our attention at the Welsh Championship Shield, the combination of a confident, almost arrogant demeanour combined with an aggressive, unrelenting style characteristic of the ‘new blood’ leading him to a debut final table appearance and the first look at a future star of the UK scene.
Now, after just a few years in the game, Akenhead has indeed cemented his status as one of the country’s hottest young talents, a third place in the Newcastle GUKPT and a second place finish in a $1,500 WSOP event for $520,219 ensuring he remains near the top of the Hit Squad hierarchy.
A former pool whiz and train driver (I kid you not) from South London, Akenhead continues to be a regular face on the UK circuit, and is destined for even greater things. Just don’t mention the hand T-4 suited without expected a firm bitch slap across the face.