Crossword Genius

Determined to be first in, present all wrapped up (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

persistent

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'determined' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'first in present all wrapped up' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'first' could be 'ist' (ist resembles 1st) and 'ist' is found in the answer.
an anagram of 'present' is 'persent' which is within the left over letters.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for persistent that I've seen before include "Prolonged; nagging" , "Unrelenting - prettiness (anag)" , "Endless" , "Dogged" , "Lasting, prolonged" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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