The day job sees him run luxury kennels for cats and dogs, but when off duty he emerges as one of the country’s most talented amateur poker players.

Joe Stoyles, who lives in Dartford and owns the nearby Canada Farm Kennels, has been playing poker for six years and next month will fight for a share of a £175,000 prize pot at a national tournament in Brighton.

The 28-year-old, pictured left, secured his place at the final of partypoker’s Grand Prix Poker Tour after coming out on top in a qualifying tournament last week, where he battled against hundreds of rivals and scooped £4,700 in winnings.

“It was a great achievement to have battled through so many entries,” said Joe.

“When it got down to the final 20 there were a lot of good players left in the tournament and I had to play at my best to go on and win the title.

“I am feeling pretty confident in my game right now. I went to Vegas not long ago and made a bit of money there, so I am feeling ready for a big tournament.”

“Joe did brilliantly against strong players" - Tom Waters, partypoker boss

His performance was praised by partypoker boss Tom Waters, who said he was looking forward to seeing him at the next tournament.

Mr Waters said: “It was brilliant to see genuine grassroots poker players turning their £77 entry tickets into big money paydays.”

Joe was supported at the two-day event by girlfriend Natalie Colangeo, 25, who is a primary school teacher, and was greeted by his jubilant mastiff cross Frazier upon his return home.

He will compete in the partypoker Grand Prix Tour Main Event at the Amex Stadium on July 23.