The gambling screen heart-throb, whose much-feted romance with Jennifer Lopez ended abruptly earlier this year only to see her marry another man this month won a California State Poker Championship late on Sunday.

Affleck outlasted a field of 90 players in the $10 000 buy-in event, including fellow film actor Tobey Maguire, who bowed out on the first day of the three-day tournament at Commerce Casino, near Los Angeles.

Coming in second was poker pro Stan Goldstein, who collected $204 930, while movie executive Chuck Pacheco, who founded Castle Rock Entertainment, pocketed $106 920 and third place.

Affleck (31) used a couple of pairs ? two jacks in the case of Goldstein and two fives with Pacheco ? to knock the competition out of the tournament, according to casino executives.

Among the players the Oscar-winner outlasted at the final table was former World Champion John Esposito.

Affleck played "a very strong game" and was relaxed and enjoyed himself immensely, according to the casino's Nancy Friedman.

After beating out Goldstein, the famously self-depreciating actor said he was pleased with his own play that at proved he wasn't "a complete donkey" at poker, a game he plays avidly, she said.

Affleck fought his way to victory after starting the final table with the second-to-lowest chip count among the nine players, Friedman said.

The victory earned Affleck a $25 000 seat next year at the World Poker Tour Championship at Las Vegas' Bellagio hotel, the first movie star to do so, according to the casino.