TWO pub poker players are heading to the bright lights of Las Vegas this month to compete to be crowned the UK Pub Poker champion.

Liam Hamilton of the Wheatsheaf on Yarm Road and Dawn Burnip of the Red Lion on Priestgate Road are Darlington’s qualifiers for the VEGAS100 tournament.

The duo are among100 qualifiers and guests who will travel to America on May 24 for a trip of a lifetime and the chance to win a slice of the £25,000 prize.

This year the VEGAS100 players and guests will also have the opportunity to take part in an additional tournament with over $6,000 worth of prizes which includes a return trip to Las Vegas and a seat into a World Series of Poker event in 2019.

Martin Green, managing director of Redtooth Poker, said: “These are the best pub poker players in the UK so they fully deserve this once in a lifetime trip to America.

"All have done remarkably well to reach this stage, progressing through from their local pubs."