After a massive build-up, the Irish Open finally came around and despite the host of celebrities and pro players, an Irishman eventually triumphed over them all.
Marty Smith from north Belfast had many reasons to celebrate - 650,000 of them in fact as he walked away with the guaranteed pot of euros at Europe's largest poker tournament.
Marty thrashed 708 other hopefuls who had converged on Dublin's Burlington hotel to attempt to take the prize at the 26th annual competition.
After celebrating his win following a four-day struggle, Marty told the Belfast Telegraph how much it meant to him. He said: "I am obviously delighted that I won. I thought I had a chance of doing well but I surpassed all my expectations. Of all the competitions this is one I most wanted to win because it is in my home country."
Ever humble, Mart added: "There were 708 entries and there were a lot of good players who could easily have won but I guess I just had a bit little bit more luck than the others."
Poker nuts can see the tournament action when it is broadcast on RTE Two and Challenge TV later in the month.
After a massive build-up, the Irish Open finally came around and despite the host of celebrities and pro players, an Irishman eventually triumphed over them all.