Malta Poker Festival Spring Edition 2026 Returns to Portomaso Casino

By Pessi Lamm

18 Mar 2026

Pessi Lamm 18 Mar 2026

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Malta Poker Festival Spring 2026 set for April 19-27.
Expanded schedule & increased guarantees in store.
Key events: €600 MPF Grand Event, APAT Championship & more.

Malta Poker Festival Spring 2026 at Portomaso Casino (credit: themaltapokerfestival.com)

One of Europe’s most popular mid-stakes live poker festivals is set to return this spring as the Malta Poker Festival Spring Edition 2026 takes over Portomaso Casino from April 19–27.

Following record-breaking attendance during the 2025 edition, the upcoming festival is expected to attract an even larger international crowd.

Organizers have responded by increasing guarantees and expanding the schedule, giving players nine full days of tournaments, satellites, and cash games in one of Europe’s most popular poker destinations.

The Malta Poker Festival has built a strong reputation for combining a relaxed poker holiday atmosphere with competitive mid-stakes tournament action. As a result, the series consistently draws a diverse player pool ranging from recreational visitors to experienced live tournament regulars.

Spring 2026: What's All the Fuss?

The Spring Edition of the Malta Poker Festival is designed as an accessible live series where players can compete in a wide range of tournament formats without the massive buy-ins often associated with high-roller circuits.

The schedule features a mixture of No-Limit Hold’em tournaments, bounty formats, mixed games, and specialty events throughout the week.

Festival Details

Event: Malta Poker Festival Spring Edition 2026
Dates: April 19–27, 2026
Venue: Portomaso Casino
Format: Mid-stakes live poker festival
Key Events: MPF Grand Event, APAT Maltese Championship, Hendon Mob Championship, Mystery Bounty events, Tag Team tournament

With dozens of tournaments scheduled during the festival week, players will have opportunities to compete at multiple buy-in levels while chasing sizable prize pools.

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MPF Grand Event Headlines the Festival

The main attraction of the series is the MPF Grand Event, which traditionally generates the largest field of the festival.

The tournament carries a €600 buy-in and a €500,000 guaranteed prize pool, making it one of the most attractive mid-stakes live tournaments in Europe this spring.

During the previous Spring edition, player turnout dramatically exceeded expectations, pushing the prize pool far beyond its original guarantee. With the increased guarantee for 2026, tournament organizers expect participation to exceed 1,000 entries once again.

APAT Maltese Championship Offers Real Value For Amateurs

Another popular event on the schedule is the APAT Maltese Championship, a tournament specifically designed for amateur players.

The €150 buy-in provides a welcoming entry point for players looking to experience live tournament poker without committing to higher buy-ins.

Despite its affordable entry fee, the tournament has historically generated impressive prize pools. During the previous Spring edition, the event attracted 383 entries, creating a prize pool of more than €36,000.

Because of its accessible format, the APAT Championship often features a lively mix of newcomers and recreational players enjoying their first major live poker festival.

The Hendon Mob Championship Returns

Another key tournament on the schedule is the The Hendon Mob Championship, commonly known as THMC.

The event carries a €250 buy-in and typically attracts a large international field of players visiting Malta during the festival week.

Expected highlights include:

€250 buy-in
Estimated prize pool between €50,000 and €100,000

Full Week of Side Events

Beyond the marquee tournaments, the festival schedule includes a wide variety of side events designed to appeal to different types of players.

Participants can expect a mixture of formats and buy-in levels throughout the week, including:

Satellite tournaments for major events

Mixed Games (including Sviten Special and HORSE)
Tag Team tournaments
Seniors and Ladies events
Mystery Bounty tournaments
Scandinavian Open Poker Championship
€1,100 High Roller event

In addition to tournament action, cash games typically run around the clock, creating plenty of opportunities for players who prefer ring games.

MPF SPRING 2026 Schedule

The Malta Poker Festival Spring Edition 2026 schedule features tournaments running throughout the entire festival period, culminating in the MPF Grand Event and several major side events.

Players planning their trip can review the full tournament schedule below to find the events that best fit their bankroll and preferred formats.