Gareth Ower, 22, hails from sleepy Llangammarch Wells, near Builth Wells, and was recently crowned the APAT (Amateur Poker Association and Tour) European Amateur Champion.

Mr Ower’s hunger for poker only began when a group of friends were introduced to the game by another friend less than two years ago.

What started as friendly games around someone’s dinner table has now turned into regular visits to his local casinos, online games and live tournament appearances around the UK.

There are even whispers Ower, a Team Support Officer for the Welsh Assembly, in Llandrindod Wells, harbours dreams of one day going pro.

While most of his friends have stuck to playing home games on a Friday night, his obsession and hunger for the game has taken him to many venues around the country, including the European Amateur Championship in Luton’s Grosvenor G Casino in August.

Ower struggled early on before scraping his way back into the match, and with 30 players left he admits he was “just looking to finish in the money”.

He describes his style of play as “a small stakes grinder” but reveals how he went into “death or glory” mode at the tournament’s final stages.

After surviving a sold out field of 300 runners, Ower beat Scott Thacker heads up for the title, championship cup and gold medal and £3,750 first prize.

For an entry of £75, Ower also won an $8,000 expenses paid entry to the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour Grand Final later next month.