Online Poker Guide - Latest Poker News
Latest Poker News
A rundown of poker news making the headlines in July 2009
Britain’s James Akenhead makes the ‘ November Nine’
Popular British poker professional James Akenhead has made the World Series of Poker main event final. The final, commonly referred to as the “November Nine”, will also feature Jeff Shulman and, the man all the finalist will fear, Phil Ivey.
It’s been a fabulous WSOP for the UK this year. We’ve seen more bracelets, finals and cashes than ever before and the main event achievements by Akenhead is the icing on the cake. Despite his small stack, Akenhead is in confident mood ahead of the final which takes place in four months time. He can look forward to a guaranteed pay day of at least $1.2 million and huge exposure on the world poker stage for months and possibly years to come.
The November Nine will take their seats for the final with the following chip counts:
Seat 1: Darvin Moon - 58,930,000
Seat 2: James Akenhead - 6,800,000
Seat 3: Phil Ivey - 9,765,000
Seat 4: Kevin Schaffel - 12,390,000
Seat 5: Steven Begleiter - 29,885,000
Seat 6: Eric Buchman - 34,800,000
Seat 7: Joe Cada - 13,215,000
Seat 8: Antoine Saout - 9,500,000
Seat 9: Jeff Shulman - 19,580,000
Durrrr Challenge comes to London
With the World Series concluding for another year, attention has switched to other matters in the poker world and, more specifically, the forthcoming Durrrr Challenge: London. Online poker regulars are probably aware of the Durrrr Challenge set by US professional Tom Dwan late in 2008. The original challenge, set over 50,000 hands, is still being played out online but Dwan has his sights set firmly on a new challenge in London later this year.
The Million Dollar Challenge will take place in London in September. Dwan will take on four opponents, heads up, over 500 hands. Each player will buy-in for $500,000 with the blinds set at $500/$1000. This type of high stakes heads up poker is new to the UK scene and Matchroom Sports will be on hand to film the action unfolding.
Dwan commented; “I am looking forward to sitting down and playing some of the World's best players live in London. There looks to be lots of interest in people wanting to play me but they never seem to appear online.”
Eddie Ahearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, commented; “We have been lucky enough over the years to promote the biggest names in many sports and Tom is without doubt the biggest draw in poker right now. He is totally fearless and ready to take on any player that is willing to face-off in the Million Dollar match up. This will be the most hotly anticipated match up in modern day poker.”
Dwan’s opponents have yet to be named. We’ll have all the updates on this fascinating event as they occur here at Rough Guide to the poker and our poker news section.
Right, that's it for this week. Check back next week for more. Back to the latest poker news...
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