British-Hungarian writer David Szalay on Monday claimed the Booker Prizer, the high-profile British literary award, for his novel "Flesh", a tortured story of a Hungarian emigre who makes and loses a fortune.

The 52-year-old Szalay beat favourites Indian novelist Kiran Desai, who won the prize in 2006, and Britain's Andrew Miller to the £50,000 ($65,500) award which was announced at a ceremony in London.

Szalay had previously been shortlisted for the award in 2016 for his last work, "All That Man Is".

His sixth novel, "Flesh" is another unflattering exploration of masculinity, telling the story of a working class Hungarian who moves from military service in his home country to working for the ultra-wealthy in London.

His tormented life includes affairs with older women and fighting in Iraq.

Six novels were in the final list for the English-language literary award. Miller had also previously been shortlisted, while Desai won in 2006 for "The Inheritance of Loss".

She was among the contenders this year with "The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny".

The judging panel included chair and former winner Roddy Doyle and "Sex and the City" actor Sarah Jessica Parker.

Last year's prize was won by British writer Samantha Harvey for her short novel, "Orbital", following six astronauts as they contemplate Earth from the International Space Station.