Hull grandad John Hesp, who finished fourth in the 2017 World Series, will be competing at Battle of Malta for the very first time.

Hesp hit the limelight at the 2017 World Series thanks to his fun approach, vibrant trademark jackets and unexpectedly deep run. He went to Vegas to persuade a bucket list dream and had been hoping simply to make the money and finish in the top 1,000. However he eventually took $2.6 million back to his home town of Bridlington in East Yorkshire where he owns a caravan sales business. He was invited to compete in Malta by Betsson Poker.

Hesp, now 66, said: “I’ve been on holiday to Malta a couple of times, but this is the first time I’ll be playing poker there. It’s such a gorgeous island so I’m really looking forward to it. My whole WSOP experience was surreal and I still can’t quite believe what happened and how much attention I got. I love playing poker recreationally and still take part in our weekly £25 home games and in tourneys at my local casino. But it’s all about the fun for me – I don’t play poker for the money – I do it to have a good time and meet lots of new people.”

Kat Arnsby, Microgaming Poker Marketing Manager. said: “We invited John because he embodies the recreational poker spirit and still enjoys low-stakes, fun poker events – despite final tabling the biggest event in the world. We’re really looking forward to seeing him in Malta.”

After last year’s spectacular success, this year’s Battle of Malta – which takes place October 15-22 in the stunning Eden Arena at the InterContinental Conference Centre – is set to be the biggest yet. In addition to the flagship €1,000,000 guarantee Main Event, this year’s schedule includes a new €5,300 buy-in Mega High Stack tournament as well as a €1,320 High Roller, €110 Ladies event, the €88 + €8 “Crazy 888s Battle”, the €150 “MPNPT Battle” and €300 IPC Turbo Deepstack plus many more side events. There were 3,816 entries in 2018 making it the largest poker tournament ever held in Malta.