Malta Poker Championships Combines Forces with Cash Game Festival May 13-19
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Building on a successful inaugural festival last Autumn, the Malta Poker Festival announced its return to the Portomaso Casino from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4.
Festival organizers couldn't wait until November to head back to Portomaso Casino. Due to player demand, they decided to launch a totally new and fresh concept with the Cash Game Festival and Malta Poker Championships on May 13-19.
Two Forces Combine
Malta Poker Festival and Malta Poker Championships Founder and Event Director Ivonne Montealegre shared her excitement about joining forces with the Cash Game Festival.
"I have been wanting to team up with Cash Games Festival, the original brand, for a decade now," Montealegre said. "This year in 2019 sees the perfect timing for us to come together and bring the best of both teams. With our inaugural version of Malta Poker Championships we found in the Cash Game Festival the perfect match. Cash games action for the initial days and then slowly merging with a series of Championships, all live streamed."
"I have been wanting to team up with Cash Games Festival, the original brand, for a decade now."
Montealegre believes that bringing the Cash Game Festival to Portomaso Casino and combining forces with the inaugural Malta Poker Championships is a match made in heaven.
"As the best and most established poker operation on the island, Portomaso Casino brings all the expertise, staff, and infrastructure to deploy all the concepts and logistics that the Cash Game Festival requires. Spring in Malta is so beautiful and green, it actually reminds me of my hometown Coronado, Costa Rica during this time of the year."
"We will have back to back, the Cash Game Festival with our new project, the Malta Poker Championships, a series of titled tournaments dedicated to the most VIP experience," Montealegre continued. "Expect a unique experience with amazing wine and dine options and schedules conducive to bring a very balanced poker experience on and off of the felts."
"Cash Games and Championships final tables will be played at Club Level 22 – the highest location in Malta, with spectacular views."
The Cash Game Festival is used to streaming televised feature tables multiple times each day during its festival. However, players at both the Cash Game Festival and at final tables of the Malta Poker Championships events will be in for a special treat in Malta.
"As is the custom with the Cash Game Festival, all feature tables will be live streamed so players can really also learn from their experiences," Montealegre said. "All final tables for the Championships will be streamed as well. Cash Games and Championships final tables will be played at Club Level 22 – the highest location in Malta, with spectacular views."
Festival Highlights
Montealegre described some of the events as "going back to the basics" which includes a freezeout championship event.
"The Betsson One Bullet, for example, is No Limit Texas Hold’em Championship with one-hour levels and one entry per player only," said Montealegre. "It’s a complete freezeout tailored to guarantee players maximum enjoyment at the tables."
"This is all about enjoyment and an unforgettable time in a luxurious setting."
The festival will also feature a short deck tournament, a format becoming increasingly popular around the world due to the crazy action. Players will also have a chance to earn a unique Hendon Mob flag for cashing in this event.
"The Hendon Mob Short Deck Championship is an event that is aimed to see a lot of action," shared Montealegre. "Lots of crazy plays and fun times. We expect a lot of great stories from this event, and of course, a custom-made Hendon Mob flag."
Montealegre is excited about the VIP experience the event promises to deliver.
"It’s nice to go back to basics and remember why I fell in love with poker," said Montealegre. "Forget about the huge fields, crazy queues, tilts, uncomfortable chairs, and messy settings. This is all about enjoyment and an unforgettable time in a luxurious setting. Nothing is turbo about this. On the other hand, players will have possibilities to analyze hands with their poker colleagues, make new friends, network, and value time – all silver lined by the game we love!"
You can check out the full schedule of events below.
Malta Poker Championship Schedule
| Date | Time (CET) | Tournament | Buy-in | Guarantee | Stacks | Blinds | Late Registration | Reentry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 | 2 p.m. | Cash Game Festival begins | ||||||
| 8 p.m. | Triple Stack Warm-up | €40 | €1,500 | 10K/10K/10K | 20 min. | 8 levels | ||
| May 14 | 2 p.m. | Cash Game Festival begins | ||||||
| 8 p.m. | Satellite to Betsson One Bullet | €40 | Three Seats | 20,000 | 20 min. | 8 levels | ||
| May 15 | 2 p.m. | Cash Game Festival begins | ||||||
| 7 p.m. | Satellite to the Betsson One Bullet | €40 | 20,000 | 20 min. | 8 levels | 1 reentry | ||
| May 16 | 2 p.m. | Cash Game Festival begins | ||||||
| 3 p.m. | Bounty Knockout Championship | €170 | 20,000 | 20 min. | 8 levels | Unlimited reentries through Level 10 | ||
| 7 p.m. | Satellite to the Betsson One Bullet | €110 | 20,000 | 20 min. | 8 levels | 1 reentry | ||
| May 17 | 2 p.m. | Cash Game Festival begins | ||||||
| 3 p.m. | Betsson One Bullet Flight 1 | €300 | €15,000 | 40,000 | 60 min. | Second level on Day 2 | Freezeout | |
| 7 p.m. | Satellite to Betsson One Bullet Flight 2 | €300 | €15,000 | 40,000 | 60 min. | Second level on Day 2 | Freezeout | |
| May 18 | 2 p.m. | Cash Game Festival begins | ||||||
| 3 p.m. | Betsson One Bullet Day 2 | €300 | €15,000 | 40,000 | 60 min. | Second level on Day 2 | Freezeout | |
| 6 p.m. | PLO Championship | €220 | €3,000 | 25,000 | 20 min. | 8 levels | Unlimited reentries | |
| 8 p.m. | Deepstack Championship | €120 | €3,000 | 45,000 | 20 min. | 8 levels | ||
| May 19 | 2 p.m. | Cash Game Festival begins | ||||||
| 3 p.m. | PLO Championship, Betsson One Bullet, Bounty Knockout and Hendon Mob Short Deck Final Tables | Club Level 22 | ||||||
| 3 p.m. | Hendon Mob Short Deck | €150 | 20 min. | 8 levels | ||||
| 4 p.m. | Last Chance Sunday | €80 | €3,000 | 100,000 | 20 min. | Level 8 |
