Poker star David plays his way to £27,000 payday

Published on 23/01/2013 12:00

AN Edinburgh University graduate dubbed the “Harry Potter of Poker” has won more than £27,000 in the final of a major tournament in the Capital.

David Vamplew, who lives in the city, came fourth in the UK and Ireland Poker tour event, which began last week at the Balmoral Hotel.

The maths whiz saw off competition from more than 600 professionals at the five-day event, but was beaten at the final table by Brazilian Nicolau Villa-Lobos, who scooped the top prize of £101,000.

David, originally from Fife, mastered his poker face by playing for £1 stakes at Edinburgh University’s poker society and shot to fame as a rookie in 2010 when he won the £900,000 top prize at a contest in London.

Kirsty Thompson, president of the tour, said: “Edinburgh is a fantastic place to host this as it’s such a beautiful, iconic city.”