A LOCAL butcher has played his cards right to be crowned the best pub poker player in the UK.

Michael Knight, of St Nicholas Street, in Droitwich, is in the money after scooping the £12,000 first prize in the Redtooth Vegas100 poker championship.

He has also secured a £5,000 sponsorship deal after his Vegas success, where he beat 99 other poker players to claim the top prize.

Mr Knight, who plays poker at the Copcut Elm pub in Droitwich, took part in the Vegas championship after winning a qualifying event at Coventry's Ricoh Arena in December.

And his triumph is already opening several doors. As well as returning to Vegas to defend his title next year, he will also have a seat at the prestigious World Series of Poker in 2017.

“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I’m only just coming back down to earth," said Mr Knight. “However, we’re all winners as it’s such a great achievement to even be here. It was an amazing experience from start to finish."

He added: "Coming to Vegas I felt confident but you can never tell. It was tense towards the end but then it was just a massive feeling of elation when I won. It was incredible.

“Me being me, when I won all I asked for at the bar was a bottle of beer rather than anything massive like champagne.

“This will certainly push me to improve even more, I’d love to make it onto the absolute biggest stage, but I’ve got to take it step by step.

"I’m just excited to go on tour now, starting later this month, and I’m already looking forward to coming back next year for the chance to retain my title.”

Now in its 10th year, Redtooth, the UK’s largest live pub poker league operates with more than 1,000 venues. More than 180,000 players have registered with Redtooth since the league was launched.

Martin Green, managing director of Redtooth, said: “Over the years the competition has just got bigger and better. We are absolutely delighted for Michael and would like to congratulate him on winning this prestigious tournament.”

“He fought off incredibly tough competition to win the title. To be the best amateur pub poker player in the UK is a fantastic achievement, he should be very proud.”