Ed Sheeran beats Eminem and Sam Smith to take Best Male Video at MTV VMAs 2014

The British singer-songwriter also saw off competition from Pharrell Williams

Ed Sheeran with his MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video (Getty Images)

Ed Sheeran has beaten the likes of Eminem and Pharrell Williams to win Best Male Video at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

The British singer-songwriter also triumphed over John Legend and first time US awards show performer Sam Smith to take the accolade for his hit “Sing”, which also features Williams.

Just last week, Sheeran’s latest album X saw him achieve the longest-running UK number one album since Adele’s 21 stayed on top for eleven weeks in 2011.

After eight weeks at the summit, Sheeran is now the joint longest male solo artist chart-topper, the last artist being James Blunt with 2005’s Back to Bedlam.

Earlier in the VMAs ceremony, “Shake It Off” star Taylor Swift tweeted a photo to her 43 million followers of her helping Sheeran do his stage makeup in her dressing room.

Shortly before Sheeran was announced as winner, Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” saw her emerge victorious over Beyonce, Iggy Azalea and Lorde in the Best Female Video category.

Watch Ed Sheeran's winning video for 'Sing'