Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy won the first Republican 2024 debate on Wednesday evening, according to an exclusive poll for DailyMail.com, beating out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis by the narrowest of margins.

He put up a combative performance, trading blows with opponents such as former Vice President Mike Pence who seemed intent on cutting him down to size.

It made him the focal point for much of the debate.

That was enough for 28 percent of respondents to say that the 38-year-old rising star had the best night, pipping DeSantis who scored 27 percent.

Former Vice President Mike Pence came third, with 13 percent, followed by Sen. Tim Scott on eight percent, and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley on seven percent.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie scored four percent, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum took three percent (and appeared on stage despite tearing his Achilles tendon), and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson took two percent.

James Johnson, of J.L. Partners who carried out the poll, said three candidates could be satisfied with their night's work.

'First and foremost, Vivek Ramaswamy, who has inserted himself onto the national stage and narrowly won the debate with Republican voters,' he said.

'Second, Ron DeSantis, who nearly topped the poll and has very much kept his campaign alive and defied write-offs about his debate performance. 

'Third, Mike Pence, who voters put in third place and who may now be asserting himself as the leading anti-Trump candidate in the race.'

J.L. Partners conducted an online poll to reach 504 registered Republicans who watched the debate. The results come with a margin of error of 4.4 percent.