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EPT Malta 2025: Where Cards, Champions & Coastal Vibes Collide

EPT Malta 2025: Where Cards, Champions & Coastal Vibes Collide

Poker is coming home — to the Mediterranean. After nearly a decade away, the prestigious European Poker Tour (EPT) is returning to Malta, bringing with it high-stakes drama, unforgettable parties, and a unique blend of beach and bluff. Running from October 1 to 12, 2025, this edition of the EPT promises to deliver an experience like no other.

EPT Malta 2025

Malta last hosted an EPT in 2016, and it quickly became a player favorite. Fast-forward to 2025, and the poker world is buzzing once again. Malta’s reputation as Europe’s iGaming capital, combined with its warm climate, nightlife, and pristine coastlines, make it a dream destination for both serious players and casual fans.

This year’s venue is the luxurious InterContinental Hotel in St. Julian’s, home to the vibrant Casino Malta. It’s the largest casino on the island and just a stone’s throw from top-tier accommodations, bars, beaches, and restaurants.

PokerStars and the Legacy of the EPT

Founded in 2004 by John Duthie, EPT has grown to become the premier poker tour in Europe. Over the years, iconic cities such as Barcelona, Prague, and Monte Carlo. PokerStars, which owns and operates the EPT, has continually raised the bar—enhancing structures, broadcasting events, and offering unparalleled player experiences.

EPT Malta 2025 forms part of this long-standing legacy, reuniting the tour with an island that has always punched above its weight in poker circles.

Two Pillars of the Festival: Open & Main

PokerStars Open Malta (October 1–6)

Buy-in: €1,100
Guarantee: €1,000,000
Structure: 30,000 starting stack, 40-minute blind levels

Ideal For: Rising stars, online qualifiers, and serious recreational players

This event kicks off the action with a deep-stack, multi-flight structure designed to offer huge value and a shot at life-changing money for a modest buy-in.

EPT Malta Main Event (October 6–12)

Buy-in:  €5,300
Structure: 30,000 chips, 60-minute levels (deeper on Day 3+), one re-entry allowed
Prestige: One of the most coveted titles in world poker

The Main Event is where dreams are made. Expect a slow structure, a mix of elite and amateur players, and the kind of tension only a million-euro prize pool can create.

High Roller Heaven: Where the Pros Come to Play

EPT Malta also plays host to several thrilling high-stakes events:

  • €25,000 EPT High Roller: Expect stars like Jason Koon and Adrian Mateos
  • €10,300 Mystery Bounty: Combines deep strategy with the thrill of giant bounties
  • €2,200 EPT Malta Cup: Ideal for skilled players looking to take the next step

These tournaments are magnets for elite talent, and the vibe in the room is always electric.

Meet the PokerStars Ambassadors

No EPT stop is complete without the presence of the game’s most engaging ambassadors:

  • Lex Veldhuis: Twitch’s leading poker streamer and fan-favorite strategist
  • Ben “Spraggy” Spragg: A mix of humor and skill, always active in the community
  • Sebastian “peaceandloove_” Huber: Creative, passionate, and a rising star
  • Jason Koon: One of the world’s top high rollers and PokerStars’ newest ambassador

Throughout the festival, fans can expect meet-and-greets, content creation, giveaways, and even a few fun bounty challenges hosted by the ambassadors themselves.

Qualify Online: Everyone Has a Shot

You don’t need a big bankroll to get to Malta. PokerStars offers multiple ways to qualify:

  • Online Satellites: From just €5, with daily qualifiers running now
  • Power Path Program: Complete challenges to earn Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum passes
  • Live Step Satellites in Malta: Available in the days leading up to each main event

Packages include Main Event entry, travel allowances, and hotel stays.

The Heart of the Action: Casino Malta

Located in the InterContinental complex, Casino Malta is the epicenter of this poker festival. It features state-of-the-art tables, a vibrant tournament area, and experienced dealers—ensuring a smooth, professional atmosphere from the first shuffle to the final hand.

Where to Stay: Walk to the Felt

One of the unique perks of EPT Malta? Everything is right there. These three hotels are within a minute’s walk of the venue:

  • InterContinental Malta: Official venue; luxurious rooms and direct access to the casino
  • Voco St. Julian’s Malta: Stylish and modern with top-tier amenities
  • Holiday Inn Express Malta: Affordable, efficient, and poker-player friendly

Off the Felt: Malta’s Magic

The poker may be world-class, but Malta offers plenty beyond the cards:

  • Valletta: Malta’s historic capital, a UNESCO site filled with museums and views
  • Comino & Blue Lagoon: Ideal for day trips with crystal-clear water
  • Paceville Nightlife: Bars, lounges, and clubs just minutes from the venue
  • Maltese Cuisine: Try rabbit stew, ftira bread, and fresh Mediterranean seafood

Legendary PokerStars Parties

EPT is famous not just for poker—but also for parties. Expect:

  • Rooftop cocktail events
  • Ambassador-hosted DJ nights
  • Surprise giveaways and team competitions

Final Word: Why EPT Malta 2025 is a Must-Play

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned vet, EPT Malta 2025 blends the thrill of elite poker with the beauty of a Mediterranean escape. With multiple ways to qualify, luxurious surroundings, friendly faces, and unforgettable moments waiting on and off the felt—this is the poker trip of the year.

So, will you answer the shuffle-up-and-deal call in paradise?

shaun de cesare author
Written By: Shaun De Cesare