The Belfast man, who now lives in Greenisland, was flushed with success after scooping the prize in the Pot Limit Omaha World Championship at the world-famous Rio Casino.

The 32-year-old beat around 380 people to pick up a cool $860,000 — his biggest win to date.

But he won't be resting on his laurels for he intends to take part in the Main Event which takes place as part of the World Series competition today.

His brother Paul said Marty was delighted with the win.

"He's won quite a few competitions but I think this is probably his biggest win so far," he said.

"The Pot Limit game is one of about 50 or 60 which are held during the World Series and he also intends to enter the Main Event too, so hopefully he'll win it as well.

"So far he's won over $1,000,000 since he turned professional so he's doing pretty well."

Paul also revealed that Marty's girlfriend Karen had missed out on his spectacular win as she had just left to fly home to Northern Ireland.

"Karen'll be kicking herself now that she wasn't there for the big win, " he said. "But he's out there with quite a few other players from the UK so no doubt he'll celebrate a bit.

"Marty's very level-headed though, so he won't blow his winnings."

Marty, who is sponsored by Boyle Sports in Ireland, began playing poker over 10 years ago, turning professional about six years ago.

Since then he has won a number of big poker competitions, including the Irish Open last year, earning $650,000.

In 2006, he took part in the Ladbrokes-sponsored Poker Million V event in England, picking up $100,000 in prize money.

Paul said he admired his brother's skill but it wasn't a talent that ran in the family.

"I'd love to be able to play, but I'm just not that good," he said.