Gaming software development firm Microgaming has revealed that the inaugural charity poker tournament it organized around February’s ICE Totally Gaming trade show in London raised in excess of $8,600 for four organizations.

This year’s edition of the annual ICE Totally Gaming took place at the ExCeL Centre in the London Docklands area of the capital from February 7 to 9 while its first day saw Microgaming welcome over 80 guests to its poker tournament, which was held on the Sunborn London super yacht hotel moored on the River Thames adjacent to the exhibition site.

Isle Of Man-based Microgaming stated that competitors included operators from its MPN online poker network with “Alon” from CrazyVegas.com eventually taking down the prestigious main event title after three hours of intense play. He subsequently chose to donate his $3,730 prize to the Teenage Cancer Trust, which providing life-changing care and support to young people diagnosed with cancer, while runner-up Sean Auret from Lucky247.com picked Save The Rhino as the recipient of his $2,480 windfall.

“Thank you so much to Microgaming and the MPN team for continuing to support Teenage Cancer Trust,” said Sabina Ruta, Regional Fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust. “We are delighted to receive $3,730 from one of its most recent events. Every penny donated will help us to support teenagers and young adults facing a diagnosis of cancer.”

Microgaming explained that Save The Rhino has been a beneficiary of its own Gift Of Giving initiative for two consecutive years with third-placed main event competitor Jean-Christophe Antoine from online gambling operator Betsson AB additionally selecting the organization for his $1,240 donation.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive a fantastic $3,730 following Microgaming’s charity poker tournament to help us protect endangered rhinos across Africa and Asia,” said Josephine Gibson, Partnership Development Manager for Save The Rhino. “This donation comes at a critical time to help us safeguard the future for rhinos in the wild. Extensive poaching for the rhino horn continues to threaten survival of this iconic species with at least 1,054 rhinos being poached in 2016 in South Africa alone. Despite the encouraging decline of 10.3% compared to 2015, the rise in regions outside South Africa continues to be cause for great concern. We really value Microgaming’s long-term support, having donated $22,400 in total to date.”

Microgaming declared that its charity poker tournament moreover featured a number of side events including a $622 bounty hosted by the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Roger Raatgever. This was won by Rob Deaves from 32Red.com and he selected to bequeath his prize to The Children’s Centre, which develops, manages and pioneers community initiatives and services aimed at enabling children and young people to realize their full potential.

“We are delighted to receive this generous donation and support from Microgaming,” said Fiona Dawson, Chief Executive Officer for The Children’s Centre. “The funds will make an immediate difference to the lives of local children, young people and families who benefit from the charitable services offered by The Children’s Centre on the Isle Of Man. The $622 donation will go towards The Community Farm projects that engage with children and young people to develop vital life skills such as resilience, forming relationships, empathy and preparation for dealing with the unexpected.”

Another side event, a sit-and-go affair won by Rory Cartwright from Betsson AB, resulted in a $622 donation for the Isle Of Man branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, which helps to advance treatment, research, care and support efforts for those suffering with multiple sclerosis.

“We are very grateful to be selected as the charity of choice by the winner of Microgaming’s sit-and-go side event and of course to receive a $622 donation,” said Derek Patience, Chairman for the Isle Of Man branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. “This money will be put to great use, providing support, guidance and care to those suffering with multiple sclerosis on the island.”