The Hangover

By James Akenhead
Where to start. The last 4 months since I made the November 9 have been some of the best ever. Making both the WSOPE and Poker Million finals in between was such a great confidence boost that I really felt like I was going to come back to Vegas and make a real run at this thing. Obviously you will all know by now that it wasn't meant to be this time, but I have no regrets. I played my stack and the situations I found optimally and even managed to find a bit of luck when I needed it. But just as poker has given me so much, it can be taken away just as easily and to run Kings into Aces just as I'd gotten right back amongst it, well, it stung. Luckily for me not only have I always been good at recovering from disappointment but I also have such great support from those close to me. I'm never going to be able to thank everyone individually who's passed on their good luck messages over the past few months but it has meant so much and I am extremely grateful.

Today is our last day in Vegas and the Schedule between now and the end of the year is looking as busy as ever. Hopefully I've saved up some run good for the Poker Million final next month. I'm as hungry as ever and can't wait to get back to the tables already.

WSOP Final Table

By Sunny Chattha
It was'nt to be as James busted out 9th. We had early hope when James moved in and trebled up with KQ against Buchman's AK (Begleiter had reportedly folded JJ). He then ran into a cold deck when his KK somehow found Schaffel sitting there with AA. James then moved in with 33 but could not overcome Schaffel's 99. The experience was amazing and we feel a bit unrewarded but thats poker. A $1,263,602 payday will do amazing things for James and his family but the journey of 2009 does'nt finish yet as he still has a Full Tilt Poker Million final to play in early December. Thanks for all the support.

James Akenhead, 9th, ($1,263,602)

<1 day to go

By Sunny Chattha
The last couple of days have mostly been spent chilling out. James has been doing various interviews and photoshoots for magazines but mostly ESPN. We checked out of the Wynn and moved into The Rio and one of the first people we bumped into was Darvin Moon - people think he can't play and is just a huge luckbox - but trust me he is a serious shark and a very nice guy too.

Can't believe the final table is less than 24 hours away. I am feeling very nervous so I can't even imagine how James is feeling. He says thanks for all the support and can't wait to bring the bracelet home. Good luck to everyone back home playing GUKPT, DTD, Amsterdam etc...

3 days to go

By Sunny Chattha
The final episodes of the WSOP were shown here on ESPN last night and you can watch them on pokertube here - We went to watch the action at a place recommended by our American friend Chris called ''Lagasses Stadium'' over at the Palazzo and it was sick - They definitely know how to do it over here.

Everyone has been asking how they can watch/listen to the final table back home. The final 9 play on the 7th Nov down to the final 2, then they come back on the 9th Nov to play head up - ESPN then show the broadcast on 10th Nov and it should be up on pokertube by the 11th Nov. I think the final table LIVE will be audio broadcast on BLUFF

4 days to go [SPOILER]

By Sunny Chattha
The last few days have been spent gambling, drinking, clubbing, golfing and shopping but some of us have still managed to squeeze in some poker. Praz played a $500 comp at The Venetian and made the final table busting in 6th place for a $5k payday. On the other side of town James was invited to The Golden Nugget for a ''Poker After Dark'' heat with the theme of ''lonesome sharks'' which featured six single bachelors. The line up included Eric Lindgren, Mike Matusow, Brad Booth, Antonio Esfandiari, David Williams and our man himself. I don't think I have to even tell you who won.....

Eric busted first, closely followed by Antonio. Brad then gave James a nice welcome to ''Poker After Dark'' doubling him up with a flush draw against James' bottom set. James and David then ran over the show and eliminated Brad and Mike after grinding them down to short stacks. The heads up started pretty even but David manged to gain first blood. James got fortunate when his A2 outdrew David's JJ but then he never looked back and proceeded to win on his first ever apperance on the show and collect a cool $120,000. We got some great pics at the end on the set of the show - i'll try and upload them soon. Stay tuned!

6 days to go

By Sunny Chattha
Just thought I would write a quick update - We arrived in Vegas a couple of days ago and its been great so far. James kindly paid for our flights & hotel but due to a mix up he only booked three upper class flights so we had to flip for them - gg me :(

The weather here is amazing, almost perfect, much different to the grueling heat we usually suffer on our yearly pilgrimage to Vegas. James just picked up wristbands/tickets for his spectators, so if you are coming to watch you need to get them from him. Not long to go now, theres a buzz in the air and we are all feeling very positive. Happy Halloween! (its big over here)

WSOP 2009 [VIDS] Episode 28 [23 Play Down To 18]

By Sunny Chattha
Here are the latest vids - Episodes 27 & 28 - Enjoy!

PS - Who likes the new logo?!

Videos removed. Please click here to watch Episodes 27/28