button in SafariVernerova Leads Final Eight into Battle of Malta Main Event Showdown
The 2026 Battle of Malta Autumn Edition Main Event is down to its final eight players, and the title will be decided today at Casino Malta!
A total of 5,368 entries created a massive €2,413,281 prize pool, and the remaining eight players have all secured at least €21,150. However, there is much more at stake, with the eventual champion set to claim the coveted Battle of Malta Knight Trophy and the €227,835 first-place prize.
Sitting in the best position is Tereza Vernerova, who put together a dominant Day 4 to build a huge chip lead. She returns with 68,675,000, leaving the rest of the field chasing her. Rosario Saddemi secured the second-largest stack with 21,550,000 after winning a crucial three-way all-in in the final hand of the night. Ivane Khazaradze rounds out the top three with 20,250,000.
Final Table Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tereza Vernerova | Czechia | 68,675,000 |
| 2 | Rosario Saddemi | Italy | 21,550,000 |
| 3 | Ivane Khazaradze | Georgia | 20,250,000 |
| 4 | James Malatynski | United Kingdom | 16,500,000 |
| 5 | Marco Lopez Coronado | Spain | 15,025,000 |
| 6 | Ofer Tadmor | Israel | 13,250,000 |
| 7 | Marios Kapiris | Greece | 12,750,000 |
| 8 | Lulei Hu | China | 7,725,000 |
While Vernerova has a significant advantage, there is still plenty to play for behind her. Saddemi and Khazaradze will be hoping to close the gap, while James Malatynski (16,500,000) and Marco Lopez Coronado (15,025,000) are also well positioned to make a run at the title.
Further down the counts, Ofer Tadmor (13,250,000) and Marios Kapiris (12,750,000) remain within reach of the leaders. Lulei Hu has the most work to do, returning with 7,725,000, or 19 big blinds, after a turbulent Day 4.
Cards will be back in the air at 2 p.m. local time, with the players picking up the remaining time in Level 33 at blinds of 200,000/400,000 and a 400,000 big blind ante. From there, the battle will continue until one player claims the title.
The final table action will also be streamed live from Casino Malta.
Final Table Payouts
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1 | € 227,835 |
| 2 | € 141,250 |
| 3 | € 92,550 |
| 4 | € 62,150 |
| 5 | € 43,400 |
| 6 | € 32,000 |
| 7 | € 25,150 |
| 8 | € 21,150 |
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Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates as the final eight battle for the title, the trophy, and the €227,835 top prize!