Great poker, fantastic scenery, historic sites from the ancient world, splendid dining options, and excellent nightlife – this is all just some of what players can expect at the upcoming Battle of Malta. And players simply won’t want to miss out.
The 2018 Battle of Malta poker series is being sponsored by 888poker and offers nine big events with buy-ins for every bankroll – from €110 to €1,320. Who wouldn’t want to miss the €88 Crazy 888s Battle with a “Win the Button” format that makes for plenty of fun at the tables? Win a pot, and you win the dealer button. Win it again, and it stays with you. It’s a fun twist on a poker tournament and perfect for an 888poker event.
This year in Malta, the €550 Main Event has even doubled the size of its guarantee to €1 million, a shot for an even bigger score than in years past. In total, the other Battle of Malta features guarantees from $15,000 to $100,000 – big payouts for tournaments that won’t break the bank.
The series began in 2012 and continues to grow as players flock to the island for some great poker action.
Fantastic Pre-Winter Getaway
The Battle of Malta has become one of the most popular tournament series in all of Europe. The brand was recently sold to Eden Leisure Group (ELG) so, the location will shift to the Casino Malta and Hotel InterContinental, which offers plenty of luxury and a great place to play poker in the spacious Eden Arena. The new area can house 140 tables and up to 1,000 players, offering plenty of room for the series to continue its growth.
Malta is an island located in Southern Europe in the Mediterranean Sea and offers picturesque views and plenty to see and do. Those looking for a bit of a vacation mixed with their poker will have numerous options including hitting the beach in St. Julian’s or exploring the city near St. George’s Bay. Check out the Blue Grotto for amazing views from the cliffs high above the Mediterranean Sea with some brilliant coastal scenery. You won’t be disappointed by the island’s natural settings in this once in a lifetime experience.
Other options in Malta involve some unique pieces of world history. Enjoy a visit to the historical fortified capital city of Valletta or take a trip to the historic medieval hilltop town of Mdina for a trip back in time.
History abounds on this ancient island. The prehistoric Hagar Qim Temples are located on the south coast on a plateau overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Dating between 3600 B.C. to 3200 B.C., the temple ruins are listed as a UNESCO-listed megalithic site. Numerous other historic sites and scenic coastal towns offer plenty of opportunities to get out and about.
Those looking for a little nightlife will have plenty of options to choose from in St. Julian. Release your inner party animal for some clubbing – from salsa bars to discos. For a night out with some friends for food and cocktails, there are numerous lively bars and excellent restaurants including some great seafood and Mediterranean fare.
There is no shortage of fantastic options for players looking for a bit more action to go with their poker tournament experience. Get your game face on for some poker but get some exploring and adventure in as well.
Excellent New Location
A trip to the Battle of Malta means staying in style at the Intercontinental, the largest five-star hotel on the island. Along with the expanded playing area in the Eden Arena, the hotel features some great amenities for players and is only a short walk away from shopping and entertainment.
Just a short trip from Malta's capital city of Valletta, the hotel has a brilliant beachside location. Players can unwind by the lagoon-style pool or take a trip to the hotel’s relaxing private beach. Head to the hotel spa for a relaxing massage or another a treatment.
And while there are plenty of dining and entertainment options nearby, the Intercontinental offers eight restaurants and eight bars on site.
Some of those dining and drinking options include: Waterbiscuit, for great sandwiches, burgers, and fresh salads; Skyhigh Lounge and Bar, offering great drinks, friendly vibes, and wonderful views from the 19th floor; Narci’s Pool Bar & Grill, for great cuisine next to the lagoon pool on the 10th floor; and Al Fresco Gardens for an outdoor dining experience in a relaxed setting.
The hotel offers a great stay with warm and inviting rooms complete with marble bathrooms, king size beds, and spacious layouts. The free Wi-Fi makes it possible to even play a little poker online, at 888poker, of course.
Plenty to Do for Poker Players
When the poker action is underway, 888poker Ambassador will be among those mixing it up at the tables but will also make time to head out and explore.
“It is the best mid-stakes tournament in Europe,” Lovgren says. “There are tons of satellites, and it will be a big mixed field of poker players – both pros as well as amateur players who will play their first ever live tournament.”
Lovgren will be looking for some nice runs at the events, but also a little extra time for fun and relaxation. She offers 888poker players ideas on what awaits those who head to Malta.
“Malta is a really nice island, and you can have a wonderful vacation combined with a great poker experience,” Lovgren says. “Hang out with friends, join cocktail parties, go out for delicious dinners, and take a trip to beautiful Valletta or the breath-taking Dingli Cliffs.”
The Cliffs offer spectacular views of the sea and the island’s rocky coastline.
Some players bring family and friends along on the trip, Lovgren says, and she plans to do the same. Her brother Fredrik will also be playing, and she relishes the opportunity to send him to the rail for a little payback from another 888poker event.
“Besides a great poker experience, you can also combine a vacation on the beautiful island,” she says. “My sister and two brothers are joining me. Besides having a good time there with them and my poker friends, I plan to bust Fredrik from the tournament. He busted me once at 888live – no mercy in our family even though we are always sharing when one of us wins.”
Getting In On the Action
At the tables, players will have many tournament and cash game options. Along with 888poker online qualifiers and numerous players from around the world, Ambassador Ana Marquez is also looking forward to playing in Malta.
“It will be my first time going to this event, and I have only heard good things about it,” she says. “One of the great things about joining the 888 team is the amazing opportunity to go to new places I have never been before – and Malta was definitely on my poker bucket list.”
Beyond poker, Marquez and the 888poker team have plenty of other fun events planned.
“Besides winning the event and getting to explore the island, we have created a girls bowling team with Sofia as well,” she says. “And we are going to have loads of fun doing other activities besides playing.”
While there are undoubtedly many great attractions to do and see in Malta, the poker scene, of course, should be nicely set up with some truly excellent tournaments.
As a sponsor of the event, 888poker is offering up opportunities for players to win their way into the series.
The Battle of Malta is getting close, so don’t wait to book your flight and make that hotel reservation. With some good play and a little luck, you may be taking home big money.
Either way, there will be plenty of memories to hold on to.
