Bermuda has won all hands down after bidding successfully for a card game championship that will reap hundreds of thousands in tourism dollars.

Up to 2,000 people are expected to attend the Orbis World Bridge Championships in January -- when teams from 25 countries fly into the Island to compete for the renowned Bermuda Bowl.

It is the first time the Island has hosted the event which started back in 1950 when Government donated the trophy. And it will enable the Island to compete for the first time as host nation.

Orbis Investment Management Limited has pumped in $1 million of sponsorship and the Department of Tourism has invested $300,000 in the event.

Bermuda Bridge Federation president Sheena Rayner said the two-week contest would bring massive publicity for Bermuda.

"People will be coming from every corner of the earth,'' she said. "The Bermuda Bowl is considered the most prestigious event in bridge.

"Players play for the glory of winning. The guests -- 90 percent of whom are first-time visitors -- are expected to spend an average of 12 nights on the Island.'' Staying at the Sonesta, Southampton Princess and other properties, the visitors will provide a much-needed boost at one of the quietest times of the year.

And to generate even more interest in the championship, Orbis has provided a $50,000 investment prize for an Internet bridge game, where competitors can pit their wits against one of the world's greatest players, Zia Mahmood.

From Wednesday, players from around the world will be able to compete for the prize, which will be invested in the Orbis mutual fund of the winner's choice.

The Orbis Hand of the Week by Zia, which involves answering a question set by Zia, will be drawn in December.

Already the site, www.bermudabowl.com, has received "10,000'' hits. It features Bermuda heavily and tourism officials will be able to tell where "hits'' have come from -- which could help with future tourism marketing.

Tourism sports promotion manager Steven Burgess said there could be many spin-offs for the Island, from the Internet contest and the two competitions proper. "This is a very influential event, that could have a dramatic impact across the world,'' he said. "As co-sponsors we are really excited to have these people staying here. And the website will showcase the Island to those who are not here. It is wonderful for everybody.'' Orbis chief operating officer and director Alan Gilbertson said the sponsorship and competition was a way of celebrating the company's tenth year in Bermuda. "It struck us as a fantastic opportunity to say thankyou to Bermuda for being a wonderful host to Orbis,'' he said.

Zia Mahmood is expected to attend the event, from January 7 to 21, at the Southampton Princess.

Already teams from 24 countries, selected from seven world zones, are in the line-up, with one more space to be filled.

Bermuda has never qualified before for the event, which is held every two years, but gets a slot as host nation. France are currently holders. While the competition is taking place, games will be shown on a screen in the hotel's Mid-Ocean amphitheatre to dozens of guests. And many more are expected to monitor the championship on the internet.