Day 1a

Registration has now closed on day one B of the main event. Today’s fight was over twice the size of day 1a with 297 players taking their seats in the €600 buy-in event. In total there have now been 443 entrants in the Main Event, with three starting days left to go. They will play down to 15% of the field, which will be either 44 or 45 players, but is as yet unconfirmed.

The first day of the 2025 Battle of Malta Spring Edition included a lot of poker and a few surprises.

1st Surprise

The first surprise was that the Eden Arena looked a little different as the set up has changed. There is no stage in the middle of the floor. The tables are all well spaced out and it feels like a nice environment to play in. The most noticeable feature of the set up is the enormous video wall that looms over the 70 tables in the playing area.

This new set up of the Eden Arena is complimented by use of the conference space on the floor below the Arena, where side events and satellites are taking place. This allows the Arena to focus exclusively on housing the headline events of the Festival: the Main Event of the Battle of Malta, the Mystery Siege of Malta and the High Roller.

Eden Arena Before The Start of Day 1a

2nd Surprise

The next surprise was the absence of sword wielding knights and their fair maidens, as the opening ceremony has been replaced for this edition with a welcome video, shown before the start of the Main Event on the giant video wall. This certainly surprised and captivated a lot of players. If you missed it, it will be repeated before the start of each opening flight and at a few other rare moments throughout the week.

3rd Surprise

The third and final (for now) surprise of the day was the very first episode of the yet-to-be named Battle of Malta daily talk show. Check out the 15-minute show on the Battle of Malta’s YouTube page and let us know if you have any suggestions for its name. Rumours are that there may be a prize for whoever comes up with the name that is chosen. Watch the full show to find out if it’s true or not!

The inaugural episode saw Jason Glatzer, Glenn Brown, Telly Bartolo and new BOM TD Andy Tillman having a cosy fireplace discussion (minus the fireplace) about the event. There will be a new episode every day, dropping late in the evening. Guests will include players and staff at the event and will focus on the talking points of the day as the event progresses.

Happy Talking, Talking Happy Talk, Talk About Things You Like To Do…

Thursday’s Poker Action

The action on the poker tables was of course still the main highlight of the day, with several events taking place simultaneously, both upstairs and downstairs. Upstairs the focus was on the Main Event, but there were also two flights of the Mystery Siege of Malta.

Main Event Day 1a

The opening flight saw 146 players take their seats in the €600 buy-in event, with just 22 progressing into Sunday’s Day 2. All have secured themselves a payout and chip leader Nicolaj D’Antoni from Italy has done even better, claiming the €5,000 bonus payment for bagging the biggest stack of the day with a towering 697,000.

His nearest challenger on 572,000 is Alessandro Siena, who finished in 4th place in the last BOM Main Event and will be looking to go deep once again. Dario Barone, a former winner of the event (Spring 2023) also made it through the day, however he posted the shortest stack of the survivors with 64,000. But he’s still in it, so he could definitely still win it again.

For a more detailed wrap up and all the chip counts of the survivors, check out the excellent Day 1a recap posted by new blog team member Chris Karlen.

Alessandro Siena on the 2024 BOM Final table

Mystery Bounty

The Mystery Bounty had two flights on Thursday, with one more to come on Friday.

Jonathan Wong posted the largest chip stack from Day 1a with 527,000, well ahead of second placed Emmanouil Chalkiotis on 428,000. Carl Nakamoto, the Day 1b chip leader almost matched Jonathan’s stack with 523,000, with Benoit Kuhn not far behind on 515,000.

Across both these starting days there were 331 entrants, 50 of whom have made it into Day 2, which begins this evening, at 8pm. The final starting flight begins at midday, with 10 levels for late entry.

Side Events

You can’t have a good main course without some tasty sides. Today the players were spoiled for choice as the Mystery Bounty, with two flights was the side event of choice for most. However, there were other accompanying dishes on the poker menu and some players did opt for these boutique choices.

The first of these was the €220 PLO, which was won by Gabriel Morales Ruiz for €1,840. Ryan Wilson took second place in the event, which had 23 entries in total.

The first of two outings for the €200 Dark Knight had 35 entrants and ended up in a chop between Robert Oliver and Michael Janczarski, who each took home €1,620. It has to be said that Robert looks a lot happier about the result than Michael does in the post event photo (see below).

The €150 Hyperturbo was the quietest event of the day, with just 10 entries and was won by Lukasz Zajac for €800.

Robert Oliver and Michal Janczarski Chop the Dark Knight

Satellites

Yesterday’s satellites were busier than the other sides, as most players are focused on securing seats for Friday’s two opening flights. The early starting one mustered 100 entries, while 185 chanced their luck in the late night version. In total 28 tickets were awarded, with some players in the later satellite bagging more than one seat, as its format allows multiple seats to be won. One player on Wednesday scooped three seats and this is unlikely to be beaten, but several players managed to bank a second seat.

And such, Day 1a of the €600 Battle of Malta 2025 Main Event has come to an end. It was an absolute thrilling day which offered immense action, both on but also around the poker tables at the Eden Arena & Casino Malta at the Intercontinental Hotel in St. Julians.

D’Antoni Bags Biggest

Nicolaj D’Antoni during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

Day 1a saw the chip lead swing back and forth during the day, with some names such as Salvatore Spina, Xhulio Kacka, and Massimo Rizzoglio being recognized as big stacks all the way through – all three of them also being amongst the 22 who bagged for Day 2. The one who’s bagged was filled to the brim, though, was Nicolaj D’Antoni, who picked up chips as he came out on the good end on some crucial hands. Not only has he managed to give himself great presumptions to go far during Day 2, but he also claimed the €5,000 cash prize for finishing as the chip leader.

Nicolaj D’Antoni finished Day 1a as the chip leader.

He’ll return to Day 2 – which will be played on Sunday – accompanied by some other great players who managed to navigate their way through Day 1a. One of them is Dario Barone, winner of the 2023 Battle of Malta Summer Edition. Even though Barone was the one to bag the smallest stack of the day, he’s a force to be reckoned with.

James Paris is also in the mix. Paris displayed some great poker Day 1a throughout and has had some great results in Malta; he’ll return to Day 2 with 157,000 in chips.

James Paris during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

Bagging 20,000 more than Paris, Johan Sundgren has had a great start in the 2025 Battle of Malta. In fact, in Wednesday’s accumulator satellite for the Main Event, the Swede secured not one, not two, but three Main Event seats.

Drama on the Bubble

The 22 players reached the ITM stage in dramatic fashion, featuring a 3-way all in on the bubble. Sadly, Serena Rossetti became the one to come up short after putting up a great fight during the entire day.

During the last hour of play, Rossetti shared a table with the other two women who were still in the mix. Palina Mankevich and Indre Stanaityte both made it through to Day 2. All in all, the list of the 22 Day 1a survivors spells out a strong group of players.

Tomorrow, Day 1b of the Main Event kicks off at 13:00. There’s so much more fun going on all day, though; make sure you check out the full 2025 Battle of Malta schedule.

We’re grateful for having all of you with us during today’s live coverage, and we can’t wait to pick up the action tomorrow again.

Level 17: 5,000/10,000 (10,000)
Entries: 22/146

Giulio Di Salvo during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

Dramatic fashion on the bubble as Giulio Di Salvo moved all in for 110,000 from the Hi-jack. Then, Serena Rosetti also committed all of her 60,000. As if things couldn’t get any crazier, Indre Stanaityte called, covering both players.

Giulio Di Salvo: A♠K♥
Serena Rosetti: Q♥Q♠
Indre Stanaityte: K♦K♣

Stanaityte was the favorite, but the board 8♠A♥8♦7♦7♠ had different plans. Di Salvo won the big pot, Indre Stanaityte survived, and Rosetti unfortunately became the person to bubble.

Giulio Di Salvo: 296,000
Indre Stanaityte: 281,000
Serena Rosetti: 0

Level 16: 4,000/8,000 (8,000)
Entries: 23/146

Konstantin Faerber during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

As Stavros Passias left us in place 24 a couple of minutes ago, the remaining 23 players are now playing hand-by-hand on the bubble. It’s not necessarily the tight play that often is the case on the bubble, considering there’s a €5,000 paycheck to the one who finishes the day as the chip leader.

From the Hi-jack, Xhulio Kacka opened to 16,000 and was called by Salvatore Spina (Small Blind) and Konstantin Faerber (Big Blind).

Spina och Faerber both checked the K♥6♠8♣ flop before Kacka bet 20,000. Both players called and the exact same scenario played out on the T♣ turn. On the river 9♠, however, all three players checked.

Faerber showed K♦9♥ for the winning hand; Kacka revealed A♠A♥ in disgust as he had the lead all the way up to the river.

Konstantin Faerber: 400,000
Salvatore Spina: 240,000
Xhulio Kacka:120,000

Level 16: 4,000/8,000 (8,000)
Entries: 26/146

During one of the first hands after what should be the final break, Massimo Rizzoglio opened to 16,000 from the Cut-off. Nicolaj D’antoni called from the Small Blind prior to Fotios Ntamaris moving all in for roughly 80,000. Rizzoglio folded, but D’antoni wasted little to no time making the call.

Fotios Ntamaris: A♥9♣
Nicolaj D’antoni: J♣J♠

No ace for Ntamaris on the Q♠2♥3♣2♣T♥ board, and he was sent to the rail.

Nicolaj D’antoni: 430,000
Fotios Ntamaris: 0

Level 15: 3,000/6,000 (6,000)
Entries: 28/146

Fotios Ntamaris.

A short-stacked Fotios Ntamaris went all in from UTG for 16,000. Action folded to Nicolaj D’antoni, who called Ntamaris from the Big Blind.

Fotios Ntamaris: A♠A♦
Nicolaj D’antoni: Q♦J♦

The look D’antoni gave Ntamaris can’t be described in words; utter confusion with heart-warming joy. No help for D’antoni on the J♥A♥7♣4♦9♠ runout, but, he afforded it.

Nicolaj D’antoni: 400,000
Fotios Ntamaris: 40,000

Level 15: 3,000/6,000 (6,000)
Entries: 30/146

James Paris during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

James Paris and Thibaut Thevenet clashed all in pre-flop.

James Paris: A♠J♣
Thibaut Thevenet: T♥T♦

The board 2♣4♣3♠A♥4♦ favored Paris; the result left Thevenet with one big blind and change.

James Paris: 120,000
Thibaut Thevenet: 7,000

Level 15: 3,000/6,000 (6,000)
Entries: 31/146

Fotios Ntamaris during the 2025 Battle of Malta. Photo: Jason Glatzer

Fotios Ntamaris went all in for 55,000 from the Cut-off. After receiving a count, Daniele Degennaro made the call.

Fotios Ntamaris: K♣Q♥
Daniele Degennaro: A♦T♥

The runout 9♦5♦7♠Q♠6♣ secured a double up for Ntamaris and extends his tournament life.

Daniele Degennaro: 153,000
Fotios Ntamaris: 122,000

Level 14: 2,000/4,000 (4,000)
Entries: 32/146

Alessandro Siena during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

Alessandro Siena made it 8,000 from the Cut-off. Andreas Mavromoustakis defended from the Big Blind as the sole caller.

The flop came K♠9♦A♥, and Mavromoustakis check-called a 6,000 bet from Siena. On the turn J♣, Mavromoustakis checked again, and Siena now sized up to 20,000. Again, Mavromoustakis called.

The river was the 3♦ and déjà vu; Mavromoustakis checked, Siena bet 36,000, and Mavromoustakis made the call.

Siena turned over A♦Q♦. Seeing as Mavromoustakis mucked, a pair of aces was enough.

Alessandro Siena: 355,000
Andreas Mavromoustakis: 37,000

The first episode of the new daily Battle of Malta talk show has just dropped* on YouTube. Battle Chat TV isn’t the name of the show, just a placeholder that I’ve used for this post. If you can come up with a better name than this (I’m sure you can), head over to our social media channels and make a suggestion in the comments on the post about the talk show.

Watch the first episode on You Tube. Enjoy the show!

Links to our social media pages:

Facebook                YouTube              Instagram

Can you think of a name for the Battle of Malta talk show?

*I listen to too much of The Chip Race, stole this cool way of speaking from David Lappin.

Level 14: 2,000/4,000 (4,000)
Entries: 34/146

Erik Lindqwist during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

Erik Lindqwist had a decent stack but took a few blows and was down to 23,000. He found himself all in for his last five and a half big blinds against Salvatore Caruso.

Erik Lindqwist: A♥5♠
Salvatore Caruso: Q♠3♠

It was bond to happen, wasn’t it; the board spelled out A♦A♠8♣3♥A♣ and Lindqwist did a nod of approval. “The beginning of something great”, he declared as he doubled up.

Salvatore Caruso: 120,000
Erik Lindqwist: 58,000

Level 14: 2,000/4,000 (4,000)
Entries: 37/146

Salvatore Spina during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

The board read 6♥9♥4♣Q♣ when Salvatore Spina went all in for 106,000. After a minute’s worth of consideration, Bartosz Gorski made the call.

Salvatore Spina: 6♣6♠
Bartosz Gorski: A♠Q♥

When Spina turned over his set, Gorski attempted to fold his hand before the river even had been dealt, but the dealer turned his hand over and then dealt the meaningless T♣ on the river.

Salvatore Spina: 300,000
Bartosz Gorski: 210,000

After being left short stacked, Mark Attard moved all in for 48,000 and was called by Michal Janczarski. Both players revealed their holdings.

Mark Attard: Q♦8♣

Michal Janczarski: A♠6♥

The board ran out 2♠2♣4♣6♠9♦ for Attard to hit the rail in 3rd place.

After chips were exchanged through some all in and calls, Michal Janczarski and Robert Oliver sat nearly identical in stacks. The two players agreed to chop the prize each taking home €1,620 for their efforts. Make sure to stay tuned for updates on all side events as well as the main event coverage.

Level 13: 1,000/3,000 (3,000)
Entries: 40/146

Massimo Rizzoglio during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

At Table 7, the full board read 7♥3♠J♣9♦Q♣ with roughly 100,000 in the middle. Stavros Passias bet 80,000, sending Massimo Rizzoglio deep in the tank. For minutes, he contemplated his next decision and finally made the call.

Stavros Passias: A♠T♥
Massimo Rizzoglio: 2♠2♥

An impressive call by Rizzoglio, which saw him winning a considerable pot, and surely, he now plays a top-ten chip stack.

Massimo Rizzoglio: 285,000
Stavros Passias: 80,000

Level 13: 1,000/3,000 (3,000)
Entries: 41/146

Artwork during the 2025 Battle of Malta. Photo: Alek Gillies

Johan Sundgren raised to 6,500 from the Cut-off. When action came to Salvatore Caruso in the Small Blind, he raised to 16,000. Sundgren decided to make the call.

The flop came 9♠Q♣8♦ and Caruso bet 8,000. Sundgren decided to call, and the dealer presented the T♦ on the turn. Caruso now slowed down, and Sundgren decided to bet 16,000. Fairly quickly, Caruso made the call.

Both players checked the 8♥ turn. Caruso turned over J♦J♥ and was notably mispleased with the action on the river. In the end, though, he wasn’t too sad as the pot went his way.

Salvatore Caruso: 180,000
Johan Sundgren: 120,000

Level 12: 1,000/2,500 (2,500)
Entries: 44/146

Stacks of chips during the 2025 Battle of Malta. Photo: Alek Gillies

Late registration for Day 1a closed after Level 10 was finished. A total of 146 entries means that play will continue until only 22 players remain. These lucky players will then bag their chips for Day 2.

It’s worth mentioning that all Day 1 flights will be played down to 15 % of the total amount of entries.

Level 12: 1,000/2,500 (2,500)
Entries: 48/146

Erik Lindqwist during the 2024 Battle of Malta.

From UTG, Fotios Ntamaris opened to 6,500. Erik Lindqwist was seated UTG+1 and decided to re-raise to 16,000. Action folded back to Ntamaris who made the call.

Ntamaris was first to act on the 6♦4♠J♥ flop and decided to check. Lindqwist continued for 10,000 and Ntamaris made the call.

Action repeated itself on the 7♥ turn, the only difference being the Lindqwist-bet now was 25,000. Both players checked the 4♥ river.

Fotios Ntamaris: T♦T♥
Erik Lindqwist: J♣T♣

Ntamaris rolled his eyes as Lindqwist began stacking his newly won chips.

Fotios Ntamaris: 175,000
Erik Lindqwist: 170,000

It’s that time of night when the blog team reduces by one, as my shift has now come to an end. But the Battle of Malta will not wait for sleepy heads like me and play will continue for many more hours. It’s not the end of the coverage though, as Chirs Karlen and Alek Gillies will continue to report on action from the floor throughout the rest of today’s session.

But before I head off into the Maltese night to find my way home, here’s a quick round-up of what’s still going on here at Casino Malta.

Main Event Day 1a

It’s now into level 11 and with registration closed, the final number of entries is confirmed as 146 and they will play down until 22 players remain.

Mystery Siege of Malta Day 1b

Late registration is still open in this one as they are now on level 9 and entries can be made until the end of level 10.

Dark Knight

The Dark Knight had 35 entrants and they are now on the final table and on the bubble, with seven players left and only six getting paid.

Hyperturbo

Late registration is still open for the late night Hyperturbo. It’s a quiet affair so far with just nine players.

Main Event Satellite

The final satellite of the day is underway now, with already 82 players and its only just into the second level of the day. In this format, its possible to win more than one seat into the main event for a €70 buy-in.

Level 11: 1,000/2,000 (2,000)
Entries: 55/146

Immense action during the 2025 Battle of Malta. Photo: Alek Gillies

At Table 7, Milad Gami, Matthew Micallef, and Persico Manuel all clashed all in pre-flop.

Milad Gami: A♠K♦
Matthew Micallef: T♦T♥
Persico Manuel: A♦J♦

The board ran out 2♥T♣5♣8♠J♥, meaning Micallef won the large side pot with his set of tens and eliminated Manuel. Gami, however, survived.

Matthew Micallef: 230,000
Milad Gami: 69,000
Persico Manuel: 0

The first non-satellite tournament of the Spring Edition has now ended and we have our first winner of the series. That honour goes to Gabriel Morales Ruiz, who defeated a field of 23 players to claim the €1,840 first prize. Ryan Wilson took second place for €1,220 with Ferry Sparla and Micheal Cauchi filling the other in-the-money spots.

Alek Gillies was there to witness the final hand, which played out as follows:

Gabriel Ruiz Pot 36,000

Ryan Wilson Call

Flop 7♣J♥9♦

Check

Pot

Call all in 68,000

Ruiz K♣J♣Q♥9♥

Wilson K♦7♠4♣3♣

Board completed A♣A♥

Pot Limit Omaha (4 Cards) Result

• Buy-In: €220
• Entries: 23
• Prizepool: €4,370

Gabriele Morales Ruiz, PLO 4 Card Winner

Level 10: 1,000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 68/146

Artwork during the 2025 Battle of Malta. Photo: Alek Gillies

Sergej Schuhmacher opened to 3,000 from UTG. Julian Micallef and Rene Dreismann both decided to call.

On the A♣T♥7♥ flop, Schuhmacher bet 2,500. Micallef called prior to Dreismann folding. The turn brought the Q♠; Schuhmacher didn’t slow down and now bet 7,500. Micallef wasn’t going anywhere and put in chips for a call.

On the river J♣, Schuhmacher went all in for 18,500. Micallef twisted and turned, visually contemplating a call. Eventually folded, showing A♦3♥.

“Lucky me”, Schuhmacher stated as the dealer pushed all the chips his way.

Julian Micallef: 106,000
Sergej Schuhmacher: 63,000

Level 10: 1,000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 68/145

Palina Mankevich in the 2025 Battle of Malta Main Event. Photo: Alek Gillies

Palina Mankevich opened to 3,000 from the Hi-jack. When action came to Marco Venturi in the Small Blind, he went all in for roughly 40,000. Mankevich made the call.

Marco Venturi: K♠Q♠
Palina Mankevich: 9♠9♦

The board ran out 4♥4♠T♦4♣3♠. Mankevich won yet another pot as Venturi was eliminated.

Palina Mankevich: 110,000
Marco Venturi: 0

Experimentation is nothing new at the Battle of Malta and today marks the start of another new feature, a daily talk show. We still haven’t come up with a name for this new show, feel free to make a suggestion on the Battle of Malta Facebook page.

It will be a brief show, no more than 20 minutes long and it will drop later this evening on YouTube. It will be fronted by Jason Glatzer and Glenn Brown and today’s guests are Battle of Malta supremo Telly Bartolo and Tournament Director Andy Tillman.

Telly is expected to discuss the changes that have been made to this edition of the festival, including the new opening ceremony. Andy is new to the Battle of Malta and it will be a great chance for viewers to learn more about Andy, his work outside the Battle of Malta and his first impressions of the event.

On with the show!

The Show Must Go On!

Level 10: 1,000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 71/145

Nikolaos Valtatzis during the 2025 Battle of Malta. Photo: Alek Gillies

When the players came back from the dinner break, Edward Jackson-Spivack went all in for 9,000 from UTG+1. To the seat left of him, Nikolaos Valtatzis went all in, successfully isolating the rest of the players.

Edward Jackson-Spivack: K♠Q♣
Nikolaos Valtatzis: A♥Q♠

The board Q♦A♣9♣4♦6♥ meant Jackson-Spivack was eliminated, and Valtatzis stack grew bigger.

Nikolaos Valtatzis: 85,000
Edward Jackson-Spivack: 0

The players in the Main Event have now returned from the dinner break and level 10 is now in progress, with blinds of 1,000/1,500 and a 1,500 big blind ante. The field has now risen to 143 entries, 71 of which are still in contention. Giulio Spampinato, the first player to be eliminated has now rejoined the tournament. Kenny Burke, who had been one of the chip leaders at the first break, is now out.

Kenny Burke during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

The opening flight of the €300 Mystery Bounty has now concluded, with the 19 survivors all in the money.

Leading the way into Day 2 is Jonathan Wong, who bagged a stack in excess of half a million and almost 100,000 ahead of his nearest rival.

Bagging Up in Day 1a of the Mystery Siege

The 66 remaining players in the Main Event is now on a 75-minute dinner break. The chip counts of the leaders are being totalled up and we’ll have them published shortly.

Level 9: 1,000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 68/136

Artwork at the 2025 Battle of Malta. Photo: Alek Gillies

Erik Lindqwist bet 4,000 on a 7♠Q♣3♥ flop. Vidar Oeie called, and the 6♦ was dealt on the turn.

Both players checked, which brought the 4♥. Oeie was first to act and shoved roughly 40,000 into the 20,000 pot. Lindqwist took a minute before making the call.

Vidar Oeie: K♠J♦
Erik Lindqwist: 9♥9♠

Oeie’s bluff didn’t go through, and Lindqwist eliminated Oeie as his stack grew.

Erik Lindqwist: 128,000
Vidar Oeie: 0

The cards are now sliding across the table for Day 1b of the Mystery Siege of Malta. It looks set to be busier than the afternoon flight, with 84 entries so far, at the start of level 2. Taking his seat for the first time during this festival is Maltese Londoner Joe Grech.

There were 128 players in Day 1a, which is now down to 31 players, all vying for a place as one of the last 19 who will progress into Day 2.

Level 9: 1,000/1,500 (1,500)
Entries: 68/132

Palina Mankevich in the 2025 Battle of Malta Main Event. Photo: Alek Gillies

Under the Gun, James Paris opened to 3,200. Mitchell Foster called from the Hi-jack, and when action came to Palina Mankevich in the Small Blind, she went all in for 23,500. After receiving a count, Paris made the call. Foster mucked and it was time for showdown.

Palina Mankevich: K♥Q♦
James Paris: A♠J♠

Palina took the lead on the flop and never lost it as the board spelled out Q♥3♠2♦T♥8♦.

James Paris: 147,000
Palina Mankevich: 50,000

Stylianos Kollatos moved all in from under the gun for 21,700. Action folded to Ionannis Souroukidis who made the call. Both players revealed their hands.

Stylianos Kollatos: 8♥8♠
Ionannis Souroukidis: K♦K♣

The board ran clean for Souroukidis as it ran out 9♦2♣5♥7♠T♣ to send Kollatos to the rail.

Ionannis Souroukidis: 138,000
Stylianos Kollatos: 0

So I woke up in the morning and I step outside

And I take a deep breath, let my aces ride

I shove my stack in the middle and scream

“Is it gonna hold?”

Upstairs

Battle of Malta Main Event Day 1a

They are now in level 8 600/1200 (1200) and there are 80 out of 131 entries still playing. The 75-minute dinner break will begin after level 9 and late registration will stay open until the end of level 10.

Recent exits include Matthew Micallef, Mark Attard. Bulgarian Martin Tsvetanov joined the field during the current level, as did Mark Vella, another well known Maltese player.

Mystery Siege of Malta Day 1a

Play has now slowed down considerably in the opening flight of the Mystery Siege. Just 19 of the remaining players will progress into day 2 and the mercurial Italian Fabio Peluso will not be among them, as he has recently exited in 41st place. Daniel Maunders, Daiva Byrne and Jonathan Wong are all still fighting to make it into the money.

Mystery Siege of Malta Day 1b

The players are currently limbering up before the start of Day 1b, with over 30 players registered before play begins. More to follow on this later.

Downstairs

The early satellite is now over, but the PLO is still in play and on a break. Registration is now closed and the remaining 9 of the 23 starters remain to fight it out for the €1,840 first prize. Four players will make it into the prize money.

The Dark Knight is now on its first break of the day, So far 26 players have entered and there’s still four levels left for more players to join.

Level 8: 600/1,200 (1,200)
Entries: 75/131

Palina Mankevich in the 2025 Battle of Malta Main Event. Photo: Alek Gillies

In a Button VS Big Blind battle, Thibaut Mael Thevenet and Palina Mankevich clashed all in pre-flop, Thevenet being the player at risk with 25,000.

Thibaut Mael Thevenet: K♦Q♥
Palina Mankevich: A♥J♥

Mankevich was the favorite, but the 8♥J♣5♦T♥9♦ board had other plans. Thevenet doubled up and took a chunk out of the Mankevich stack.

Palina Mankevich: 57,000
Thibaut Mael Thevenet: 42,000

Level 8: 600/1,200 (1,200)
Entries: 76/131

With 10,000 in the middle, Nikolaos Valtatzis checked to Krzystof Radoslaw Cybulski on the 5♣8♥7♥ flop, who continued for 6,000. Valtatzis called, and the A♠ revealed itself on the turn. Valtatzis check-called a 13,000 bet from Cybulski, and the 3♠ fell on the river. Both players opted to check.

Nikolaos Valtatzis: A♥Q♥

Krzystof Radoslaw Cybulski during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

: A♣K♦

Cybulski held the better kicker, and as such, he was awarded the pot.

Krzystof Radoslaw Cybulski: 120,000
Nikolaos Valtatzis: 24,000

Level 8: 600/1,200 (1,200)
Entries: 81/130

A dealer artwork during the 2025 Battle of Malta. Photo: Alek Gillies

From UTG+1, Erik Lindqwist opened to 2,400. Shaun Decesare made the call, prior to Antonio Caruso moving all in for 11,300. Lindqwist folded and Decesare made the call.

Antonio Caruso: A♠8♦
Shaun Decesare: T♠T♥

Lucky river card for Caruso as the board spelled out 9♥J♣7♥Q♣A♦ and he doubled up his short stack as Decesare released a heavy sigh.

Shaun Decesare: 44,000
Antonio Caruso: 34,000

Level 7: 500/1,000 (1,000)
Entries: 85/130

Kostadin Mihaylov during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

The board read 3♣A♥T♥ with roughly 22,000 in the middle when Kostadin Mihaylov bet 25,000. Ioannis Souroukidis twisted and turned, before making the call.

When the 7♣ fell on the turn, Mihaylov went all in for 100,000-ish. This sent Souroukidis deep into the tank.

“Pocket tens?”, he asked Mihaylov who sat stone-cold as a statue. No answer was given and eventually, Souroukidis was called the clock on. Eventually, his 30 seconds came to an end.

“Nice hand”, he declared as he folded, showing A♣K♥.

Kostadin Mihaylov: 170,000
Ioannis Souroukidis: 92,000

€600 may be a lot cheaper than many other big poker events, but its still a fair whack to cough up for most recreational players. But for just €70 it’s possible to gain entry into the Battle of Malta Main Event via one of the many satellites on the schedule.

There have already been three satellites so far during the festival, two on Wednesday and one earlier today. There’s another taking place at 10pm and more are planned for the forthcoming days.

All the remaining satellites are accumulator (milestone) format, where the player is awarded a seat when they have accumulated 100,000 chips. Players start with a 10,000 stack. Here’s the schedule of remaining Main Event satellites.

However there is a twist as some of the satellites enable players to win more than one seat. These are the ones listed as “accumulator” and in these, once a player has cashed out 100,000 for a seat they may continue to play on with any remaining chips and have a chance to win further seats. The satellites listed as “one time” only allow players to win one seat.

In yesterday’s accumulator satellite, one player managed to claim three seats. Not bad at all for a €70 buy-in.

Thursday (Today)

10pm: €70 (€60+€10) NLH Super Satellite to the Battle of Malta Main Event (accumulator)

Friday

11am: €70 (€60+€10) NLH Super Satellite to the Battle of Malta Main Event (one time)

10pm: €70 (€60+€10) NLH Super Satellite to the Battle of Malta Main Event (accumulator)

Saturday

11am: €70 (€60+€10) NLH Super Satellite to the Battle of Malta Main Event (one time)

Battlelite Your Way In for €70

No, it’s not party time yet, but we thought it would be a good idea to get the message out early. Here are all the details you need if you want to join the festivities at the Battle of Malta players party.

When: 9pm

Where: The Eden (Bowling and Video Games Arcade situated jusr across the road from the Casino Malta main entrance.

What: Fun, games, bowling, drinks, food, laughs and memories.

Why: Because…why not? Its traditional.

Entry with player wristband, all Battle of Malta players and guests welcome.

Level 7: 500/1,000 (1,000)
Entries: 83/124

Kenny Burke during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

Kenny Burke opened to 3,000 from the Lo-jack, and Danielle Degennaro decided to call from the Cut-off. Then, from the Small Blind, William Sylvain Gritz went all in for roughly 17,000. Big-stacked Burke then moved all in himself and managed to isolate Degennaro, who made the fold.

William Sylvain Gritz: 5♦5♣
Kenny Burke: J♠T♦

Gritz was ahead up until the river on the Q♥8♦K♠3♣T♣ board, but in the end, Burke emerged victorious.

Kenny Burke: 160,000
William Sylvain Gritz: 0

Level 6: 400/800
Entries: 79/117

Only good vibes at the 2025 Battle of Malta.

After an initial opening from Ioannis Souroukidis from the Cut-off, Matthew Micallef put in a raise from the Small Blind. Then, from the Big Blind, Samuel Mayet went all in for 32,000. Souroukidis then smooth-called – and so did Micallef. In other words, there was a 100,000-ish pot at stake.

Micallef and Souroukidis checked down every street of the 4♦K♠3♥3♠8♦ board.

Samuel Mayet: A♦K♦
Matthew Micallef: A♥Q♥
Ioannis Souroukidis: A♠Q♠

Mayet’s reaction couldn’t be interpreted as anything other than joyful as he scooped a crucial pot right before the break.

Samuel Mayet: 98,000
Ioannis Souroukidis: 68,000
Matthew Micallef: 44,000

The Main Event is now on its second break of the day, with 80 players remaining from 116 entries (so far).

Estimated chip counts of the two largest stacks on each table are now being counted and verified and will bring you the results of this unofficial chip counting session shortly.

Upstairs

Battle of Malta Main Event Day 1a

Level 6 400/800 (800) has just begun and there are now 87 players in their seats with 111 entries so far. Late registration is open until the end of level 10, which will be at approximately 9.35pm.

Early exits on Day 1a included Alex Henry and David Lappin. Friend of the BOM blog and occasional guest commentator Fotios Ntamaris from Greece is playing today. We’re bound to hear something later about how his day went.

Mystery Siege of Malta Day 1a

Registration is now closed in the first starting day of the Mystery Siege of Malta. In total 128 players entered the flight, of which 77 remain in contention. Play will continue until 15% of the field remain, which means that 19 players will make into the money and will return tomorrow evening for day 2 and a shot at the big bounties. The second starting day begins at 7pm this evening.

Downstairs

The early starting Main Event satellite is still not quite over. It has a milestone format, so most of the 10 seats generated via the 100 players who entered have already been awarded. Just four players remain, fighting it out for the last two seats.

Today’s €220 PLO is now up to 20 entries and is now in the 7th level of the day, with registration open until the end of level 8.

The Dark Knight is one of the regular side events at the Battle of Malta. There are just two Dark Knight’s on the 2025 Spring Edition schedule, the first of which has just begun. It has a €200 (€170+€30) buy-in and is run on a 20-min clock.

Level 6: 400/800
Entries: 87/113

Beautiful chips at the 2025 Battle of Mallta.

Gia Carneström opened to 1,800 and was called by Theo Schmitt (Small Blind) and Fotios Ntamaris (Big Blind). On the 3♦3♠4♦ flop, it was Checked to Carneström who bet 3,300. Then, Schmitt raised to 8,800 and Ntamaris smooth-called. Carneström smelled something and decided to fold.

On the J♣ turn, Schmitt and Ntamaris clashed all in.

Theo Schmitt: 5♦3♣
Fotios Ntamaris: A♠3♥

Ntamaris unnecessarily improved to a full house with the A♦, leaving Schmitt short-stacked. Carneström revealed afterward that she had pocket queens.

Fotios Ntamaris: 51,000
Theo Schmitt: 6,000

Level 5: 300/600 (600)
Entries: 83/104

Ioannis Souroukidis during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

When we arrived at Table 5, the board read 6♣9♥Q♣. Andrea Grandi stood up following the action from above as he was all in pre-flop, eagerly waiting for the hand to play out.

Indre Stanaityte and Ioannis Souroukidis both checked before Viktor Eriksson bet 6,600. Stanaityte folded, prior to Souroukidis moving all in for roughly 27,000. Eventually, Eriksson made the call.

Andrea Grandi: 8♦8♣
Ionannis Souroukidis: A♣6♣
Viktor Eriksson: K♠Q♦

When the dust had settled, the full board read 6♣9♥Q♣A♠6♠, deeming Souroukidis the winner of the hand.

Ioannis Souroukidis: 100,000
Viktor Eriksson: 6,000
Andrea Grandi: 0

Level 5: 300/600 (600)
Entries: 83/101

Great action during Day 1a of the 2025 Battle of Malta Main Event.

From the Hi-jack, Loizos Anargyros called a 1,000 raise from a player in early position. Fabio Assennato made it 3,500 from the Cut-off, and after the initial raiser folded, Anargyros went all in for roughly 11,000. Assennato called in mere seconds.

Loizos Anargyros: Q♥9♥
Fabio Assennato: A♠J♣

The K♥6♥J♠ flop gave Anargyros some hope, but, the completed board read K♥6♥J♠4♣A♦.

Fabio Assennato: 53,000
Loizos Anargyros: 0

While we love to have you here reading the blog, there’s also content on the Battle of Malta’s social media channels. You’ll find shorts on YouTube, which is also where the live stream of the Main Event final table will be found next Wednesday, 9th April.

Facebook and Instagram are the main places where the rest of the video content can be found. This year Glenn Brown joins the team, bringing his unique brand of infectious enthusiasm to the Battle of Malta. Together with Jason Glatzer, Glenn will also front a daily talk show, the first of which is due to be recorded and broadcast later this evening.

They will be discussing the news of the day, focusing on significant stories from on and off the felt. One of today’s key talking points is likely to be the absence of the usual walk on ceremony. The knights and hostesses are sitting out this event. There is an introductory video on a massive digital screen (see below) which dominates the Eden Arena. Do you like this change? Tell us on Facebook.

Level 4: 200/400 (400)
Entries: 83/94

Gia Carneström during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

Gia Carneström raised to 1,000 pre-flop and Damir Savio was the sole caller.

Carneström continued for 2,200 on the 9♦2♥T♥ flop, before Savio raised to 6,500. Carneström made the call and the pot was brewing.

On the 5♠ turn Carneström checked, and Savio bet 11,000. Carneström then moved all in for roughly 27,000 and Savio called in a heartbeat.

Gia Carneström: K♠K♦
Damir Savio: T♣9♣

“It’s the first good hand I’ve had all day”, Carneström said as she stood up. She was saved by the bell as the 5♥ fell on the river, giving her two-pair superior to Savio’s hand.

“There you go”, a table mate said as Carneström collected the pot.

Gia Carneström: 64,000
Damir Savio: 7,000

Level 4: 200/400 (400)
Entries: 83/94

Palina Mankevich in the 2025 Battle of Malta Main Event.

After an initial raise to 600 from the Lo-jack, Palina Mankevich made it 2,300 from the Lo-jack. Then, James Paris made it 5,100 from the Button. Action came back to Mankevich, who now 5-bet to 13,700. After roughly two minutes worth of consideration, Paris called.

Before the flop Q♣8♣5♣ was dealt, Mankevich moved all in, in the dark. Paris sighed before folding, as Mankevich won a considerably large pot.

Palina Mankevich: 55,000
James Paris: 27,000

The Battle of Malta is the island’s most prestigious poker title. It has a rich history, beginning in 2012 and there have been 14 completed events so far. This Spring Edition is the 15th running of the series, which is yet to produce a double winner.

Vasileios Zizis deserves a more than honourable mention as he went the closest to achieving this elusive feat, finishing as runner up at the 2024 Autumn Edition at which he was the defending champion, having first secured victory in the Main Event this time last year.

Here is the Battle of Malta’s roll of honour, but who will be joining their ranks this time?

2012: Winner Nicodemo Piccolo, €35,000, 349 entries, total prize pool of €169,265

2013: Winner Louis Cartarius, €68,000, 888 entries, prize pool was €430,680

2014: Winner Antoan Katsarov, €122,750, 1,447 entries, total prize pool €701,795

2015: Winner Nicolas Proust, €110,000, 1,804 entries, total prize pool €875,000

2016: Winner Robert Berglund, €160,000, 1,813 entries, total prize pool €879,305

2017: Winner Nadav Lipszyc, €200,000, 2,074 entries, total prize pool €1,005,890

2018: Winner Julien Stropoli, €168,500, 3,816 entries, total prize pool €1,850,760

2019: Winner Serghei Lisii, €247,167, 4,657 entries, total prize pool €2,258,645

2022: Winner Giuseppe Rosa, €200,340, 2,592 entries, total prize pool €1,244,160

2022: Winner Dimitrios Anastasakis, €285,900, 4,342 entries, total prize pool €2,171,000

2023 Winner Dario Barone €156,500, 1992 entries prize pool €1,002,972

2023: Winner Gabriele Re, €209,500, 3432 entries total prize pool €1,728,010

2024: Winner Vasileios Zisis, €100,000 1814 entries total prize pool €913349

2024: Winner Cosme Gomez Martinez, €255,800, 5799 entries total prize pool €2,578,172

Cosme Gomez Martinez

While most of the attention at the Battle of Malta is focused on No Limit Hold’em, there is one event per day offered in non-Hold’em formats. Most of these are Pot Limit Omaha, but there is also a Sviten Special and H.O.R.S.E event. Malta has a thriving mixed games community, many of whom will turn up for these offerings.

The first event on the non-Hold’em schedule is the €220 (€200+€20) 4 Card PLO, which began at 3pm. There are currently 11 players and they are now on the second level of the day, with late registration open for 8 levels, closing at approximately 5.55pm.

Both the Battle of Malta Main Event and the Mystery Siege are on their first breaks of the day. We will have chip counts of the leaders very shortly.

Level 3: 100/300 (300)
Entries: 73/77

Rene Dreissman during the 2025 Battle of Malta.

Daniele Degennaro opened to 700 Under the Gun. Ian Tabone decided to call from the Button, and Big Blind-player Rene Dreismann also joined in on the fun.

Degennaro bet 500 on the 4♠Q♦T♦ flop after Dreismann had checked. Tabone and Dreismann both made the call.

On the turn 4♣, all three players decided to check. When the 7♠ fell on the river, Dreismann now led out for 3,000. Degennaro folded before Tabone made the call.

Dreismann turned over 7♣7♥ for a rivered full house. Tabone couldn’t beat it, so his hand hit the muck.

Rene Dreismann: 69,000
Ian Tabone: 44,000

The €300 Mystery Siege of Malta is one of the key highlights of Battle of Malta schedule and today there are two of its three opening flights taking place. The first kicked-off at 1pm in tandem with the Main Event, while the second begins at 7pm this evening. Each plays down until 15% of the field remains and when they return for Day 2, all survivors will be in the money and the mystery bounties will come into play.

So far there are 91 of 103 players still participating. They are in level 6 with registration open until the end of level 10. Daiva Byrne, Jonathan Wong, Daniel Maunders and Fabio Peluso have all been spotted in the field.

Fabio Peluso

Level 3: 100/300 (300)
Entries: 68/71

A few familiar faces have already turned up, but have they brought their A-game? We’ll find out as the day progresses.

Spotted in the Mystery Siege of Malta is Daniel Maunders, who was runner up in the 2024 Battle of Malta Spring Edition, where he was beaten heads-up byu Greek Vasileios Zizis. He’s sharing a table with the Fantastic Ladies in Poker (FLIP) founder Daiva Byrne. FLIP is sponsoring the Ladies event, which takes place on Monday.

Daniel Maunders in the Mystery Siege of Malta

Another fantastic lady of the poker world Gia Carnestrom is playing in the Main Event today. She won the ladies event at the last edition of the Battle of Malta and with several victories under her hat in recent years, she will be a force to reckoned with. Tussle with this cowgirl at your peril!

Gia Carnestrom

Many local players have also shown up play today, including James Paris, Shuan Decesare, Mark Attard and David K Lappin. The first player to be eliminated was Italian local Guilio Spampinato, but with four starting days to go, we might yet see him again. So far three players have been sent to the rail, but they won’t be the only ones to make the walk of shame on this first day of the competition.

Hair Raising Moment for David K Lappin

Level 2: 100/200 (200)
Entries: 58/59

John Do opened to 400 from the Hi-jack. James Paris (Button), Mitchell Foster (Small Blind), and Giulio Spampinato (Big Blind) all decided to call.

Action checked around on the 2♠T♠K♠ flop. When the 2♥ fell on the turn, Do bet 1,300 when it was his turn to act. Paris made the call while Foster and Spampinato decided to get out of the way.

The river revealed the Q♠, and after a minute’s worth of consideration, Do checked. Paris decided to check behind.

Do turned over A♠J♣ for the nut flush and was awarded the pot. Paris must be glad he didn’t take the bait on the river.

John Do: 59,000
James Paris: 43,000

Lampros Vlachos during the 2025 Battle of Malta Main Event.

Level 1: 100/100
Entries: 42/42

There were roughly 2,500 in the middle when the board read 8♦2♦7♥. Lampros Vlachos, Samuel Tebege, and Massimiliano Mauceri were the three players involved in the action, and they all decided to check.

On the 5♣ turn, Vlachos bet 2,600. Tebege folded prior to Mauceri making the call. Vlachos didn’t slow down on the K♣ river and bet 3,700. Mauceri waited little-to-no time before making the call.

Vlachos turned over K♠Q♣ for top pair. Mauceri’s cards hit the muck as the dealer pushed the pot the way of Vlachos.

Lampros Vachos: 51,000
Massimiliano Mauceri: 30,000

Day 1a of the Main Event of the Battle of Malta 2025 Spring Edition is now officially underway. The opening ceremony is not taking place at this festival, but instead there is a welcome video, which takes place on a huge video wall, showcasing moments from previous editions, plus some spectacular shots of the Maltese islands.

Telly Bartolo then gave a short speech to welcome players and introduce the Tournament Director, Andy Tillman before the shuffle-up and deal took place. The Main Event and the Mystery Siege are now both in-play, with 32 players currently participating in the Main and 44 in the Siege.

The first news from the floor will soon be delivered by Chris Karlen, who is reporting here for the first time at the Battle of Malta.

Telly Bartolo & TD Andy Tillman

Today is the first full day of the 202 Battle of Malta Spring Edition. It’s not quite the start of the festival as there were two satellites on Wednesday evening, but this is when things really get going.

Both the €600 Main Event and the €300 Mystery Siege of Malta Bounty begin today. They take place upstairs in the main Eden Arena. Players should buy-in for these events at the registration desks upstairs, within the Eden Arena. Side events and satellites take place downstairs, where players should also register.

There’s already a satellite in play downstairs, where just under 100 players are competing for seats into the Main Event. Late registration for that is open until 2.50pm. Here’s today’s full schedule.

The Battle of Malta is back with the first of two editions scheduled for 2025. The Spring Edition begins today Thursday 3rd April at the Eden Arena & Casino Malta at the Intercontinental Hotel in St Julians, with a €500,000 guaranteed Main Event.

It’s another action-packed schedule, which doesn’t waste any time with warm-up acts, as both the Main Event and the Mystery Bounty are in play right from the start of the festival. Join us throughout the event for non-stop coverage on the Battle of Malta blog and social media channels.

The tournament schedule includes events to suit a wide range of poker players. While the €500,000 guaranteed Main Event is clearly the big attraction, the €300 Mystery Bounty and €1,100 Highroller are the other highlights of festival.

There are also many side events at more affordable prices, mostly in No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha formats, plus a ladies event. Additionally there is a Sviten side event and a H.O.R.S.E for the mixed game specialists. For those who have not yet secured their entry into the main event, there are also satellites taking place during the first few days of the festival.

To view the full schedule for the Battle of Malta Spring Edition click here.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

While the battle of Malta has been operating successfully for well over a decade, it’s an event that has gradually evolved over the years. The event organiser Casino Malta is not afraid to experiment and at the last edition, prizes for the chip leaders at the end of each starting day in the Main Event were introduced.

This innovation passed the test and is returning for the 2025 spring edition. The player who bags the biggest chip stack at the end of each starting day will receive a bonus payout of €5000.

There are five starting flights for the Main Event, but there will be no repeat of the half-price flights experiment that took place at the 2024 autumn edition. All Battle of Malta Spring Edition starting days cost €600 (€530+€70) for a seat.

There is also a change that attendees will notice immediately when they enter the Eden Arena. Unlike at previous editions of the Battle of Malta, there is no stage at the centre of the tournament floor. Instead there is a colossal video wall on one side of the room.

This suggests that there could be a change to the format of the start of day ceremony. All will be revealed when Day 1a of the Main Event gets underway at 1pm on Thursday 3rd April.

But the changes are more than simply cosmetic, as there has been a logistical upgrade that will help the event to run smoother and improve player experience.

The Eden Arena upstairs will be used only for the Main Event, the Mystery Bounty, and the High Roller tournaments. All the other events and satellites will take place downstairs in the poker room on the ground floor of the Intercontinental Hotel. With 70 tables upstairs and 50 downstairs, there’s a total of 120 tournament tables. Cash game tables are located within Casino Malta rather than in the conference areas.

The registration process has also been streamlined with desks on both floors. Register upstairs for the Main Event, Mystery Bounty and High Roller, downstairs for all other events. All payouts will be at the downstairs cashier.

Drama Guaranteed

Last year‘s events concluded dramatically, with Spring Edition winner Vasileios Zizis from Greece narrowly missed out on a historic back-to-back victory at the autumn edition, eventually finishing us the runner-up to Spaniard Costello Gomez Martinez.

Cosme Gomez Martinez

While we can’t be sure that Vasileios will go deep for a third successive time, we guarantee there will be drama and excitement this time around and the Battle of Malta Blog will follow the action both on and off the tables throughout the festival.

The Battle of Malta’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram channels will also have coverage of the event, including a new daily talk show, where Jason Glatzer and Glenn Brown will chat to players and staff all the latest goings on at the Eden Arena. The final table will be live streamed from 2pm on Wednesday 9th April. If you can’t be here in person, join us online, its the next best thing!