Last night (Sunday 11th August 2013), Pierre Novellie was named the winner of the 2013 Amused Moose Laugh Off.

The stand-up competition, which has been running for a number of years during the Edinburgh Fringe, aims to name up-and-coming comedy stars of the future. Previous finalists have included Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert, Jack Whitehall, Sarah Millican, Simon Amstell, Nina Conti, Mark Watson, Lee Nelson and Greg Davies.

Over 600 comedians entered the competition this year, with heats taking place around the UK. The other finalists were Alex Smith, Alistair Williams, Angus Dunican, Sean Cannon and Steve Bugeja.

Novellie (pictured), who takes away the £1500 prize money and a shiny moose trophy, says: "I'm amazed and surprised to have beaten so many incredible comedians - the final was very tough and I'm overjoyed!"

Originally from Johannesburg, Novellie has more recently resided on the Isle of Man. The 22 year-old is represented by CKP Management and is performing as part of Lunchtime Special at Just the Tonic and Standing Up For Something as part of PBH's Free Fringe throughout the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The winners were decided by an industry panel, and an audience vote, at the live final in Edinburgh hosted by Chris Martin. The awards were presented by BBC Worldwide's Toby White and Amused Moose organiser Hils Jago.

All the finalists appear in Amused Moose Comedy Awards Gangshows at Just The Tonic until 24th August, with joint runners up Alex Smith and Sean Cannon also featuring with Pierre in the Amused Moose Comedy Awards Showcases at London's Soho Theatre in the September/October season, alongside the winner of the Amused Moose Laughter Award (the prize for more established acts), the final of which takes place on Sunday 18th August this year.