The SiGMA Poker Tour (SPT), powered by EvenBet Gaming, Cubeia, and MTT Sports, returned to Portomaso Casino in St. Julian’s from September 2–7, transforming Malta into the heartbeat of live poker during the SiGMA Europe-Med Summit.
The SiGMA Poker Tour (SPT), powered by EvenBet Gaming, Cubeia, and MTT Sports, returned to Portomaso Casino in St. Julian’s from September 2–7, transforming Malta into the heartbeat of live poker during the SiGMA Europe-Med Summit.
Over the course of one week, international professionals, local grinders, brand ambassadors, and industry insiders came together for a celebration that was as much about community as it was about competition. For Malta, better known as an online gaming hub, SPT was a chance to showcase the vibrancy of its live poker scene.
A Week of Action
The festival opened with satellite events feeding into the €400 Main Event and the SPT Warm-Up. Early on, Tobias Bollmann stole the spotlight, cementing his name in SPT history with a breakout performance.
Day 1A saw Tomasz Piotr Brzezinski emerge as a chip leader, setting the tone for a tough field. By Friday, Day 1C and the fast-paced Day 1D turned the room electric, as players battled for seats in the money stages.
Meanwhile, Aleksandroviene Ilona captured the Cubeia Platinum Freeroll, while Dory Brito, winner of the SPT Divas event in São Paulo earlier this year, carried her golden ticket to Malta, proving once again how inclusive and international the series has become.
Spotlight on Side Events
Saturday delivered marquee action. Niklas Nyman claimed the prestigious Hendon Mob Championship, while the SiGMA Divas event highlighted female talent. Ekaterina Giganova of EvenBet emerged victorious, defeating seasoned competition and embodying the SPT spirit—where industry professionals and poker veterans share the felt.
Fast-paced formats like the SiGMA Sprint Turbo and the suspenseful Mystery Bounty added drama to an already stacked schedule, testing endurance and creativity.
The €150,000 Main Event
The centerpiece, a guaranteed €150,000 Main Event, attracted 411 entries, with only 60 players surviving into Day 2. Notable deep runs included Sebastian Mortensen, fresh off an EPT score, and Brzezinski, who maintained his strong form.
The final table was a global showcase, featuring Romain Gachet, Joachim Vaesen, Jon Persent, Guillaum Otto, Christopher Convery, Agostino Vitiello, and Terje Bremseth.
After nearly 12 hours of play, Italian player Davide Iannaco, now based in Malta, emerged as champion. Holding pocket kings and later rockets (AA), he eliminated multiple opponents before sealing the title against Brzezinski heads-up. Iannaco celebrated his first live tournament victory, securing €28,500 and the trophy.
Brzezinski, who just weeks earlier cashed nearly €50,000 in EPT Barcelona, took runner-up honors and €19,000, while Gachet finished third for €12,800.
Ambassadors Bring Extra Star Power
SPT ambassadors brought additional flair to the event. Liverpool football legend John Arne Riise joined the action, giving fans a chance to share the felt with a sports icon. Twitch streamer Lukas “RobinPoker” Robinson and content creator Drea Karlsen energized the tables and community alike.
Karlsen told Poker Listings:
“SiGMA stands for many good things—helping others, giving back. The SiGMA Foundation is fantastic, and Ivonne is a woman I truly admire.”
Her remarks underscored the deeper meaning behind the festival: a blend of competition, community, and charity.
Malta on the Poker Map
By linking with the SiGMA Europe-Med Summit, the SiGMA Poker Tour Malta reaffirmed Malta’s place not just as the iGaming capital, but also as a destination for live poker drama. From freeroll dreamers to EPT veterans, the diversity of players highlighted why poker continues to thrive—its inclusivity, unpredictability, and the unforgettable moments it creates.
