TOP poker player Paul Taylor is leaving the countryside of north Essex and heading for the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Despite admitting he’s not much of a gambler, with a bit of luck on his side, Mr Taylor has used his skill to make it through to the championships in Sin City.

The dad-of-two from Colchester is among 100 competitors from the UK’s Redtooth League who will travel to America on May 27 for a week-long visit and the chance to win a slice of a £12,000 prize pool.

In addition, the winner will receive a £10,000 sponsorship deal.

Mr Taylor, 43, of St Monace Way, on the St John’s estate, Colchester, only started playing poker at the tables a year ago and competes at the Rovers Tye pub in Highwoods, Colchester.

His interest began for fun online, before he joined the pub league.

He admitted: “I don’t even think I have got a knack for it.

One of the sayings is it takes one hour to learn and a lifetime to master.

“I think I am learning every time I play. You need a bit of luck at the end of the day, but also skill.”

Mr Taylor, who, by contrast holidayed on the Norfolk Broads last year, is allowed to take one guest to Vegas with him, so has picked his brother, Ian, 45, who also lives in Colchester.

He added: “I didn’t even have a passport when I won the regional final, as I haven’t been abroad for years.

“And I have never been out of Europe. I am a bit excited.”

The senior construction manager said if he won a share of the £12,000 top prize, he’d probably take his children, Jesse and Jack, on holiday.

He said; “Would I play more poker with it? I don’t think I would. I am not a big gambler.

For the league you pay £5 a week.

The winner wins a cash pot of about £60, but otherwise you lose £5. I don’t gamble what I can’t afford.”

Mr Taylor first made it through to the regional finals against 186 other players in London.

He said: “The tournament started at 2pm and I was playing poker for about nine hours before winning. Exhausting!

“Three players from the Rovers Tye made the final table of ten in that tournament, which is fairly outstanding.

“This was my first tournament so didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t entirely sure what was won.

“Once I got home I was able to have a read through and was understandably excited.

“I have the same aspirations going into the 100 as I did the regional final. It’s a long game play, so you have to stay patient.”