Newly-wed David Walker will leave his new wife at home and set his sights on a cash jackpot.

The Golcar man is in with a gambling chance of winning £250,000 at the world’s biggest land-based poker tournament.

And the beauty of it all is that’s he not having to foot the bill himself.

David was selected as one of the contestants from the nationwide David v Goliath hunt, a UK competition to find 12 individuals whose name incorporated a variation on David, whether in the first, middle or last name.

He is now undertaking intense training at “Camp David” being personally trained by three of Grosvenor Casinos’ top professionals, Joe Beevers, Jeff Kimber and Ellie Biessek.

Poker player David Walker with his wife Vicki, who is hoping he turns a royal flush more than once during the big-money competition.
Poker player David Walker with his wife Vicki, who is hoping he turns a royal flush more than once during the big-money competition.

They are teaching the players an arsenal of poker strategies and skills, to enable them to compete for the record-breaking prize pot.

The tournament will take place at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena from August 8 to 16, offering players eight days of games.

David, 29, who works as a property manager in Rochdale, admits he’s a bit of a novice.

“I got married in April to Vicki and we went on honeymoon to Mexico, where they were playing Texas Hold ‘Em in the hotel. It was fun and I enjoyed having a go.

“When I came back I joined Grosvenor Casino in Huddersfield and played a bit there, and then a mate saw the David v Goliath contest on the internet and put my name forward.

“When I found out that I’d won a place I was very surprised. After I applied I didn’t hear anything back for a while, so I thought that maybe they hadn’t got my application or I hadn’t got through.POKER

“Then I kind of just forgot about it, so when I found out that I’d got through after all I was quite shocked.

“I think I have what it takes to win Goliath. If I did win some prize money – depending on how much I won – I’d put a big chunk aside to go towards a mortgage.

“I’d definitely go on holiday though, no matter what, probably to Las Vegas.”

Ellie Biessek, one of his trainers, said: “I am really excited to help train David and make sure he is ready to take on Goliath.

“Each year the Goliath Poker tournament goes from strength to strength and we expect this year to be the biggest yet!”

David added: “I’m a very cautious player and I’ll be trying out my best poker face.”

You can follow David's progress on the Grosvenor website.