At the 2008 World Series of Poker, he finished runner-up to Grant Hinkle in Event #2, a $1,500 No Limit Texas hold 'em tournament.

[2] He lost the heads-up battle when he managed to provoke Hinkle to put all his chips in with 10 4, an underdog to his AK, only to see the flop come 10 10 4.

The fourth 10 on the turn sealed the victory for Hinkle and Akenhead settled for second place and a $520,000 payday.

[3] Akenhead was the only British player to reach the November Nine final table at the 2009 World Series of Poker.

He started the final table with the fewest chips and was knocked out in ninth place by Kevin Schaffel.