Level 13: 1,000/2,000 (2,000)
Entries: 31/154

2018 Battle of Malta Main Event winner Julien Stropoli is hoping to become the first two-time winner and is off to a hot start to the event in Day 1a.

Both Dan Sfarlea and Stropoli checked the J♠3♦6♣ flop before Stropoli checked again on the 2♥ turn. Sfarlea bet 18,000 into a pot of around 40,000. Stropoli tanked for more than two minutes before he raised to 60,000. Sfarlea took his time before he called.

More tanking followed after the J♦ river completed the board before Stropoli fired out for 50,000. Sfarlea paused for nearly a minute before he called only to muck his hand after Stropoli turned over A♠A♦ to take down the pot and take the Day 1a chip lead.

Julien Stropoli – 450,000
Dan Sfarlea – 75,000

Julien Stropoli, Winner of 2018 Battle of Malta