Legends of the Felt: More than a Decade of Battle of Malta Champions

Since its inception in 2012, the Battle of Malta (BoM) has transformed from a newcomer on the international poker scene into a global powerhouse, consistently breaking records and redefining what a ”mid-stakes” poker festival can achieve.

This dream is at the heart of the event’s ongoing success story, resonating with every player who’s ever sat at a table.

As we look forward to the 2026 Spring Edition at Casino Malta, which boasts a historic €1,000,000 total festival guarantee, now is the perfect moment to walk through the ”Hall of Fame” of past champions.

These are legends of the felt; the individuals who navigated thousands of entries to etch their names into poker lore.

The Genesis: Nicodemo Piccolo and the 2012 Spark

To understand the prestige of the Battle of Malta, one must look back to its inception in 2012. At that time, the European poker landscape was dominated by high-roller circuits that often felt inaccessible to recreational players.

The BoM was designed to change that, offering a professional, ”Vegas-style” experience at a price point that welcomed everyone, from recreational player to seasoned pro.

The inaugural champion in 2012, Italian Nicodemo Piccolo, remains a symbol of the tournament’s longevity. In a field that seems modest by today’s standards, 349 players, Piccolo navigated a tough final table to claim the first-ever title and a top prize of €35,000.

While the prize pools have since grown enormously over the years, Piccolo’s 2012 victory established the ”Gold Standard” for the event. He proved that Malta was not just a holiday destination, but a serious battleground for poker talent.

His win was the spark that ignited more than a decade of growth, proving that Casino Malta was ready for a flagship tournament.

A Watershed Moment: BoM Breaks Previous Records

By 2019, the Battle of Malta had evolved over seven years from a regional favourite into a global phenomenon. The tournament floor at Casino Malta had become a sea of shuffling chips and international accents, drawing players from every corner of the globe.

This was the year that Moldovan Serghei Lisii etched his name into the history books on his first visit to Malta after qualifying online

The 2019 event was a watershed moment, attracting a staggering 4,657 entries. Navigating a field of that size requires more than just a mastery of the odds; it requires a level of mental fortitude and endurance that few possess.

Lisii’s victory was a masterclass in patient, calculated poker. After a gruelling final table and a dramatic three-handed deal, he walked away with a career-defining score of nearly €250,000. His cash was more than four times his live tournament winnings at that time.

Lisii’s win highlighted the ”giant” status of the BoM. It was no longer just a tournament; it was a marathon in poker skill. The sheer scale of the Casino Malta and the electric atmosphere of the Eden Arena provided a backdrop for a victory that felt truly awe-inspiring.

The 10th Edition: 2025 Anniversary Edition Breaks Records

Fast forward to the Autumn of 2025, and the Battle of Malta continued its trajectory of breaking its own benchmarks. The 10th edition smashed previous records across the board, marking historic milestones for one of Europe’s most popular poker festivals.

1. An incredible 6,039 entries generated a massive €2,707,970 prize pool.
2. Players from 67 countries took part, reflecting the event’s truly diverse international appeal.
3. The largest-ever Day 1 flight saw 1,990 entries, setting a new record for participation in a single starting day.

The title, crown and €225,770 in prize money (after a final table deal) went to Italian Candido Gabriele Cappiello.

Cappiello’s victory was a testament to the game’s modern evolution. Winning in an era facing tough GTO poker strategy, he overcame a table of fierce competition.

The ”Anyone Can Win” Narrative at the Heart of the Battle

While the champions’ names are etched on the trophies, the true soul of the Battle of Malta lies in its accessibility. The ”Hall of Fame” is unique because it isn’t just populated by the elite of the poker world.

Instead, it is a testament to the ”Anyone Can Win” spirit that defines the event.
One of the most compelling aspects of the BoM is the frequency with which satellite winners and recreational ”Average Joes” find themselves sitting across from seasoned professionals and winning.

The tournament structure is famously player-friendly, designed to give everyone a ”fair shot.” We have seen teachers, engineers, and locals turn a modest online satellite ticket into a seat at one of the most prestigious final tables.

This tournament’s open, welcoming nature creates the ”buzz” every year. When a player who qualified for €50 finds themselves bluffing a world-class pro in a massive pot, that is the Battle of Malta in its purest form.

It reinforces the idea that in this specific venue, on these specific dates, the cards don’t know your bankroll; they only know your skill and courage.

Looking Towards 2026: The Million-Euro Milestone

As we prepare for the Spring Edition of the Battle of Malta (May 27th – June 3rd, 2026), the stakes have never been higher. With the €1,000,000 total festival guarantee, the next name added to the Hall of Fame will be entering a new stratosphere of prize money.

The 2026 champion will follow in the footsteps of Piccolo, Lisii, and Martinez, but they will do so in a landscape that has been perfected over fourteen years.

The prestige of the BoM brand will ensure that whoever lifts the trophy this June will be more than just a winner, they will be a legend.

The ”Battle” is a long story of ambition, heartbreak, and ultimate triumph. Whether you are a seasoned pro looking to add to your legacy or a recreational player looking for that one life-changing score, the felt is waiting.

History is made at the final table, and this May, the next chapter of the Battle of Malta is ready to be written.

The BoM Hall of Fame Fact Sheet:

• First Winner: Nicodemo Piccolo (2012)
• Breakout Winner: Serghei Lisii (2019)
• Biggest Field: 6,039 (2025)
• Largest Prize Pool: €2,707,970 (2025)
• Recent Autumn King: Candido Gabriele Cappiello (2025)
• Next Milestone: The €1,000,000 Guaranteed Spring Festival 2026