A SiGMA Exclusive: Why Malta Is So Attractive for Poker Series
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During the last week of May, the SiGMA Poker Tour will dock in Malta for the second time in the series’ history. In anticipation of its start, PokerListings spoke with the organizers to find out why the brand chose this tinny European island as the location for their series. We share their exclusive comments with you in this article.
Why SiGMA Poker Tour Loves Malta
According to Ivonne Montealegre, SPT Commercial and Operations Manager, Malta has become a magnet for poker brands for a number of serious reasons:
Malta has a very special energy when it comes to poker and iGaming. It’s one of the few places in the world where business, networking, entertainment, and community all come together so naturally. That’s why bringing SPT here felt like the perfect fit. Events and partnerships like our collaboration with EvenBet are incredibly important because they keep the community connected, growing, and excited for what’s next. We want players to feel that every event is more than just poker, it’s an experience, a celebration, and a chance for the industry to come together in the best possible way.
Montealegre further elaborated on that point:
“We have an event like the EvenBet Gaming Malta Freeroll, which is truly a gift for the Gaming community in Malta. It’s an opportunity to bring players together, create excitement, and continue growing the local poker scene in a meaningful way. Partnerships like the collaboration with EvenBet are also crucial in keeping the community connected, networking, and updated with everything happening in the industry.”
Anna Colley, Head of SiGMA Poker Tour & Conferences, added that the unique position of Malta in the poker industry motivated SPT to create a Special Edition exclusively for this stop:
Malta has always been one of the key hubs for both poker and iGaming, so creating a Special Edition here felt like a very natural step for SPT. The island has a unique energy where business, networking, entertainment, and poker all come together in one place. Being SiGMA’s home also made Malta the perfect environment to bring the community together in a more meaningful and international way.
Special Edition of SiGMA Poker Tour: Malta
The SiGMA Poker Tour takes place between May 27th and June 1st, 2026. This edition has an almost €170,000 overall guarantee, including €150,000 for the €250 SiGMA Special Edition Main Event. This is a multi-day event with the following schedule:
| Flight | Date | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1A Special | May 28, 2026 | 14:00 |
| Day 1B | May 29, 2026 | 18:00 |
| Day 1C | May 30, 2026 | 13:00 |
| Day 1D | May 30, 2026 | 20:00 |
| Day 1E | May 31, 2026 | 13:00 |
| Day 1F | May 31, 2026 | 20:00 |
| Day 1G Turbo | June 1, 2026 | 11:00 |
| Day 2 | June 1, 2026 | 15:00 |
All other tournaments are single-day events and are much smaller in size, with three of them offering players not only cash prizes but also packages to the SiGMA Poker Tour 2027.
The concept of the mini-series is so good that even the members of the SPT team are looking forward to its launch — especially the Special Edition.
Niklas Nyman, SPT Poker manager, is one such person full of anticipation:
The main event has a big guarantee with a smaller buy-in than our normal tour events, which means that any kind of pockets can enjoy the SPT Malta Special Edition 2026. This rendition will have its final table live streamed with cards showing on delay, which grants exciting action for both the players and the viewers. How comfortable will they be when filmed, playing for a life changing sum of money? This is something I am looking forward to watch.
Why Choose to Play at SiGMA Poker Tour?
SiGMA events are unique not only for their youth and ambition, but also for their creative approach to organization.
As Niklas Nyman explained, the series is focused on giving every participant the most positive poker and social experience possible:
“Poker is a social sport, so for me, meeting and socializing with the people in that kind of environment is a highlight in itself. As well as seeing the tables filled up with excited and happy people, ready to battle each other for stacks. SPT offers something that other poker tours do not. The bridge between business and leisure. At SPT you can connect with SiGMA Summit/Awards attendees to expand your network in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.”
By the way, as of 2026, SPT takes place in three countries: Malta, Philippines (Manila) and Brazil (São Paulo) — but Anna Colley already announced the brand’s plan to strengthen its international presence in the near future:
We are focused on continuing SPT’s international growth while creating stronger bridges between poker, gaming, and entertainment. Players can expect bigger experiences, more community-driven activities, stronger collaborations with industry partners, and exciting new destinations that will continue expanding the SPT brand globally.
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