History professor Gudni Johannesson won Icelands presidential election with 39.1 per cent of the ballots, according to final results announced on public television channel RUV today.

The political newcomer only decided to run for the presidency after the so-called Panama Papers leak in April, which detailed offshore accounts and implicated several senior Icelandic politicians.

Throughout the campaign, Johannesson rode a wave of anti-establishment sentiment, emphasising his non-partisan, independent vision of the presidency.

The victory was especially sweet for the academic as he celebrated his 48th birthday today.

Businesswoman Halla Tomasdottir, also without party affiliation, came second with 27.9 per cent of the ballots.

Johannesson will now replace Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, 73, after 20 years as head of state.