After three days of poker, the inaugural Palace Casino Manx Cup concluded with the winner Li Wu, from Douglas, taking home the first prize of £10,000.

There were 79 entrants and a prize pool of £39,500, which was divided into prizes for the next 11 places.

Stephen Reilly, deputy casino director, said: ’The launch of the Manx Cup builds on the success of the Palace Casino’s poker scene, reintroduced in 2012, and is in direct response to overwhelming player demand.

’It was in November 2000 when the then Hilton Hotel and Casino hosted the biggest poker tournament held in the British Isles - Poker Million I - with a guaranteed first prize of £1 million sponsored by Ladbrokes and Matchroom Sport.

’The final table of Poker Million I was aired live on Sky Sports and drew 30 million viewers worldwide, one of the most watched live sporting events of its time.

’After the Poker Million, the poker scene at the Palace Casino went quiet for almost 12 years.

’Then in October of 2012, it was decided that poker would be brought back and, over the following eight years, the poker scene at the Palace Casino gradually grew.

’It soon became clear that with several poker leagues taking place, demand for poker at the Palace was strong and the Manx Cup was born.

’Given the huge success of this year’s Manx Cup, it’s safe to say that it will remain an important part of the Palace Casino’s annual poker schedule.

’Congratulations are due to all the players who reached the final table and especially to Li Wu for becoming the outright winner of the inaugural Palace Casino Manx Cup.’

The current Palace Casino poker tournament schedule runs every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.