The Festival Malta 2026
The Festival Series returns to Malta for the penultimate stop of the year. Running from September 14 – 20, 2026, The Festival will return to the beautiful Portomaso Casino for a bumper schedule of an eclectic range of poker formats and variants. The mix of poker action, warm weather, seaside restaurants, and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle makes this stop very special. For many players, this is the perfect combination: a holiday and a poker festival in one trip.
1. Event Overview
The Festival Malta 2026 will be hosted by the prestigious Portomaso Casino from September 14 – 20, 2026. This stunning venue, located in the vibrant city of St. Julian's, will be the home of The Festival Series for the fourth consecutive year. As always, there is something for everyone at a range of accessible buy-in levels, including a plethora of mixed games and other side events scheduled. Highlights include:
- The Hendon Mob Championship: A fan-favourite multi-day event that forms part of the by now iconic Championship series from the world's largest poker database called The Hendon Mob.
- €550 T.O.R.S.E.S Main Event: The mixed game scene in Europe has gone from blooming to booming! The Mixed Game Main Event is the week's premier Mixed Game tournament, attracting Mixed Game afficionados from across the continent and beyond.
- NLH Main Event: The Main Event will be the crown jewel of our Malta stop. Last year, it was Portugal's Nuno Morais who took down the event for €61,001.
This event will also feature various side events catering to all poker enthusiasts with ambitions to shine in low- mid-, as well as higher buy-ins. The formats include Pot-Limit Omaha, Mixed Games, and unique formats like Heads-Up, Ladies Event, and a Senior's event. Mark your calendars and prepare for another unforgettable stop at The Festival Series!
>> Check out the online qualifier schedule here.
2. Venue Details
Portomaso Casino is situated in the heart of St. Julian's, Malta’s main tourist and entertainment district. Known for its luxurious facilities and excellent service, the casino has hosted some of the most prestigious poker tournaments in Europe.
Key Features
- Spacious poker rooms are available on three different floors in the casino.
- A restaurant is available within the casino, as well as several options to enjoy snacks and finger food, orderable at any of the bars.
- Direct access to the Portomaso Bay, including some of the best restaurants in Malta.
- The easiest way to travel is via Malta International Airport (MLA), with direct flights from most major European cities. From the airport, you can reach St. Julian's by taxi, rental car, or shuttle services in under 30 minutes.
3. Registration Information
Registering at the Portomaso Casino is a straightforward process:
- Present a valid ID, Passport, or Driver's License at the registration desk to access the casino.
- Once registered, you will receive a casino membership card for future visits and discounts. For further details, visit the Portomaso Casino’s official website.
- We would like to highlight that the minimum required age to enter the casino is 18+ for foreigners and 25+ for Maltese residents.
4. Tournament Schedule
The full tournament schedule for Malta 2026 will give plenty of new events space to make its debut. In addition to flagship events like the NLH Main Event, T.O.R.S.E.S. Mixed Game Main Event, The Hendon Mob Championship, and the Mystery Bounty, there will be three new variants introduced to the crowd.
Click on image to download PDF
5. Coverage and Media
The Festival Series stands for creating a great ambience, both on and off the tables. Here’s what you can expect:
- Photography and Video Production: Capture your favourite poker face with the help of our dedicated media team. Videos and photos will be shared on social media and our website.
- Social Media: Stay connected and up-to-date by following us on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch. External media outlets will also be covering the event, ensuring that the event will have great coverage for players and fans worldwide to enjoy.
- Live Updates: Follow all the action through our live blog, with detailed information about our tournaments, live tournament updates, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest way to get to St. Julian’s?
Flying to Malta International Airport (MLA) is the most convenient option. From the airport, a short taxi ride or shuttle will take you directly to St. Julian’s.
What activities are available in Malta outside of poker?
Malta offers various activities, from exploring ancient historical sites and stunning beaches to enjoying a vibrant nightlife scene. The Festival Series will also provide hospitality packages to lucky online qualifiers who have won a package through one of the eligible online partners. Previous activities have included Wine Tasting, Karaoke, and a Pub Quiz and Brunch, amongst other activities. Here is a look at last year's schedule.
Will there be new tournament formats at the Malta stop?
As always, The Festival Series strives to innovate with unique formats and games. The 2026 tournament schedule will give the debut to: NLH 7-2 Special (Incl. INES rules), Mini Main Event, and Razzdugi!
Where else is The Festival Series stopping in 2026?
After Malta, we will head to Bratislava for another spectacular live event. Don’t miss the chance to qualify online for all our stops in 2026! >> Check out our online qualifier page for more details!
| Dates | Event Name | Location | Event Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 20 – 29, 2026 | The Festival Series | Tallinn, Estonia | Go to Event |
Full Tournament Schedule in Table Format:
| Date | Time | Event Name | Total Buy-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVERYDAY NONSTOP | Monday - Saturday 21:00 | Stand ´n Goes - ”Franke's Flips Flops" | Various |
| Friday 11th September | 14:00 | Satellite to Main Event (NLH or TORSES) | €70 |
| Friday 11th September | 18:00 | Satellite to The Hendon Mob Championship | €35 |
| Saturday 12th September | 14:00 | Satellite to Main Event (NLH or TORSES) | €70 |
| Saturday 12th September | 18:00 | Satellite to The Hendon Mob Championship | €5 |
| Sunday 13th September | 13:00 | The Hendon Mob Championship Day 1A | €250 |
| Sunday 13th September | 14:00 | Mixed Games Main Event - TORSES Day 1A | €550 |
| Sunday 13th September | 18:00 | Satellite to The Hendon Mob Championship Day 1B | €35 |
| Monday 14th September | 14:00 | The Hendon Mob Championship Day 1B | €250 |
| Monday 14th September | 14:30 | Mixed Games Main Event - TORSES Day 1B | €550 |
| Monday 14th September | 18:00 | Satellite to Main Event Day 1A | €70 |
| Monday 14th September | 20:30 | Sviten Mix (Sviten Special / Sviten 49 / Sviten XYZ or Drawmaha Mix like asia | €125 |
| Monday 14th September | 20.00 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 NLH | €250 |
| Monday 14th September | 20:30 | NLH 7-2 Special (incl. INES rule) | €125 |
| Monday 14th September | 22:30 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 PLO | €250 |
| Tuesday 15th September | 12:00 | MAIN EVENT DAY 1A (9 handed) | €550 |
| Tuesday 15th September | 12:30 | Mixed Games Main Event - TORSES Day 2 | Closed |
| Tuesday 15th September | 15:00 | Sviten Special | €350 |
| Tuesday 15th September | 15:30 | Roulette Championship | €125 |
| Tuesday 15th September | 18:00 | Satellite to Main Event Day 1B | €70 |
| Tuesday 15th September | 19:30 | The Hendon Mob Championship Day 1C (Turbo) | €250 |
| Tuesday 15th September | 20.00 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 NLH | €250 |
| Tuesday 15th September | 20:00 | Pot Limit 2-7 Double Draw | €125 |
| Tuesday 15th September | 22.30 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 PLO | €250 |
| Wednesday 16th September | 12:00 | MAIN EVENT DAY 1B (9 handed) | €550 |
| Wednesday 16th September | 12:00 | The Hendon Mob Championship Day 2 | Closed |
| Wednesday 16th September | 12:30 | 8-Game | €350 |
| Wednesday 16th September | 16:00 | Blackjack Championship | €125 |
| Wednesday 16th September | 17:00 | PLO High Roller | €1100 |
| Wednesday 16th September | 18:00 | Satellite to Main Event Day 1C | €70 |
| Wednesday 16th September | 20:00 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 NLH | €250 |
| Wednesday 16th September | 20:30 | NLH Pineapple PKO | €125 |
| Wednesday 16th September | 22:30 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 PLO | €250 |
| Thursday 17th September | 12:00 | MAIN EVENT DAY 1C (9 handed) | €550 |
| Thursday 17th September | 13:00 | Razzdugi | €250 |
| Thursday 17th September | 17:00 | NLH Mystery Bounty Day 1A | €350 |
| Thursday 17th September | 17:00 | NLH High Roller | €1100 |
| Thursday 17th September | 19:00 | Super Satellite to Main Event Day 1D | €70 |
| Thursday 17th September | 20.00 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 NLH | €250 |
| Thursday 17th September | 20:30 | NLH KO (with Live Straddle) | €125 |
| Thursday 17th September | 21:00 | PLO 4/5/6 Cards (7 Max) | €125 |
| Thursday 17th September | 22.30 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 PLO | €250 |
| Friday 18th September | 12:00 | MAIN EVENT DAY 1D (9 handed) | €550 |
| Friday 18th September | 12:30 | OFC Pineapple | €250 |
| Friday 18th September | 16:00 | The Festival Queens | €125 |
| Friday 18th September | 17:00 | NLH Mystery Bounty Day 1B | €350 |
| Friday 18th September | 20:00 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 NLH | €500 |
| Friday 18th September | 20:00 | MAIN EVENT DAY 1E Turbo (9 handed) | €550 |
| Friday 18th September | 21:00 | BigO | €125 |
| Friday 18th September | 22:30 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 PLO | €500 |
| Saturday 19th September | 12:00 | MAIN EVENT DAY 2 (8 handed) | Closed |
| Saturday 19th September | 13.00 | Sportsbook Championship | €125 |
| Saturday 19th September | 12:30 | Baby TORSES (Supreme) | €250 |
| Saturday 19th September | 17:00 | NLH Mystery Bounty Day 1C | €350 |
| Saturday 19th September | 18:30 | The Festival 10-Game Mix Day 1 | €1100 |
| Saturday 19th September | 20:00 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 NLH | €500 |
| Saturday 19th September | 20:30 | Bomb Pot ROE Madness (round of each Hold'em and Omaha) | €125 |
| Saturday 19th September | 21:00 | Slots Championship | €125 |
| Saturday 19th September | 22:30 | Cash Game Challenge €2/2 PLO | €500 |
| Sunday 20th September | 11:00 | NLH Mystery Bounty Day 1D (Turbo) | €350 |
| Sunday 20th September | 12:00 | Seniors 50+ Championship | €250 |
| Sunday 20th September | 12:00 | The Festival 10-Game Mix Day 2 | €1100 |
| Sunday 20th September | 13:30 | NLH Mini Main Event | €125 |
| Sunday 20th September | 14:00 | MAIN EVENT DAY 3 (Final 16 players) | Closed |
| Sunday 20th September | 16:30 | NLH Mystery Bounty Day 2 | Closed |
| Sunday 20th September | 15:00 | OFC Pineapple High Roller | €1100 |
