KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 — Local comedian Harith Iskander beat four other finalists to emerge the winner of the Funniest Person in the World competition today.

"Congratulations @HarithIskander— #LaughFactory’s Funniest Person in the World for 2016,” Laugh Factory said on their official Twitter account today.

Laugh Factory, who is the organiser of the competition, is a chain of comedy clubs in the US which has seen a number of big names pass through its doors, including Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle as well as Jay Leno.

According to The Star Online, Harith will receive the grand prize of US$100,000 (RM416,000) as the winner of the title. 

The final round of the competition was held at the Hulli Polo Arena in Levi, Finland with the winner chosen through a global online fan voting system, which was open for 24 hours after the finals.

The other four finalists were Alex Calleja from The Philippines, Katerina Vrana from Greece, Mino van Nassau from India and David Kilimnick from Israel.