The European Poker Tour – or the EPT, as it’s commonly abbreviated – is considered by many to be the most popular live poker tour there is. From the first event in 2004, the tour attracted many players from all across the world, and when PokerStars bought the brand in 2011 and took over the organization, the EPT has grown to become bigger and better than ever before.
PokerStars revealed some exciting EPT-related news that ought to intrigue the global poker community. After nine years, the EPT is returning to Malta, and there’s no doubt this will be a slam-dunk event.
Poker in Paradise
Things didn’t start great for the 2025 EPT season, as the 2025 EPT Paris was canceled due to unforeseen changes in French government policies. However, the return of EPT Malta is the optimal consolation. The last time the tour was held on the poker paradise island was in 2016 when Aliaksei Boika conquered a field of 468 entries, and now, the EPT is finally back, as PokerStars put it, “where it belongs.”
The 2025 EPT Malta will be played October 1-12 at the InterContinental Malta. Although the full schedule has yet to be released, PokerStars have already revealed the PokerStars Open Main Event will be played October 1-6, and the EPT Main Event is scheduled for October 6-12.
There’s no doubt that Malta is the perfect place for a larger poker event. The amazing venue that is the InterContinental Malta aside, the island offers great fun away from the tables. Malta is famous for its vibrant nightlife and its unique and appealing beaches. There are also three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta, such as the Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, which is definitely worth visiting.
The 2025 EPT Malta brings the count of announced EPT stops this year up to four (not counting Paris), joining Monte Carlo (April 30-May 10), Barcelona (August 18-31), and Prague (December 3-14).
Malta EPT History
This will be the fourth time the EPT has hosted an event in Malta. Before the previously mentioned event in 2016, players were also competing for a prestigious EPT title in Malta in 2014 and 2015. In the inaugural event, Jean Montury earned himself €687,400 and the trophy after navigating his way all the way to the finish line through a field consisting of 895 entries.
2015, poker legend Niall “Firaldo” Farrell took the title after defeating Alen Bilic heads-up. 651 entries created a €3,255,000 prize pool and Farrell took home €534,330.
EPT Malta Main Event Winners
| Year | Buy-in | Entries | Prize Pool | Winner | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | €5,300 | 468 | €2,340,000 |  Aliaksei Boika | Belarus | €355,700 |
| 2015 | €5,300 | 651 | €3,255,000 |  Michael Watson | Scotland | €534,330 |
| 2014 | €5,300 | 895 | €4,340,750 |  Jean Montury | France | €687,400 |
All previous EPT events in Malta have been hosted in the Portomaso Casino, but now, it’s up to InterContinental Malta to deliver a first-class event. The organization and hospitality of the EPT has grown to become very appreciated in the poker community, and the expectations for Malta’s return are high.
The EPT Malta comeback surely is satisfying news, and it’ll be a thrill to see the action unfold this October.
