Portomaso Casino
Portomaso Casino isn’t your average poker venue – it’s literally beside a gorgeous marina in St. Julian’s, Malta. You can step outside and see yachts bobbing in the blue water. The casino itself is modern and situated right by the Hilton Hotel, giving off a luxurious yet welcoming vibe. When The Festival Series rolled into town, Portomaso became the home base for poker players from all over. The Festival has stopped here multiple times (for example in 2023 and 2024, and 2025 as well), turning this seaside casino into a hub of cards and fun. If you stroll into the poker room during a Festival week, you’ll find it buzzing with mixed games and hold'em action under the Maltese sun.
What’s special is how at home everyone feels. Portomaso’s concept is to make patrons feel at home while providing an exciting gaming experience in a “luxurious environment”. In practice, that means friendly smiles at the door, comfy tables, and a laid-back atmosphere even in the middle of big poker events. It’s a place where locals and international visitors gather, play poker, and enjoy the good life by the sea. As one visitor noted, Portomaso has “friendly staff” and a vibe that makes it a must-visit casino in Malta. During The Festival Series stop, this easygoing atmosphere only grows – it’s like everyone is on vacation, even while competing in tournaments!
Sun, Sea, and Poker Fun in Malta
Malta is a favorite destination for poker players for a reason: sun, sea, food, and fun all come in one package. Many players treat The Festival in Malta as a poker vacation. You can spend your day swimming or sightseeing and your evenings playing cards – the perfect balance. Imagine busting out of a tournament and heading straight to the beach for a sunset swim, or celebrating a big win with fresh seafood and a cold Cisk beer by the water. The island’s “vibrant atmosphere” makes the poker experience even better. It’s not just about the cards; it’s the holiday vibe that surrounds the whole event.
Malta offers something for everyone. If you’re a history person, you can explore ancient fortresses in Valletta by day. If you love food, Malta’s mix of Sicilian and Arabic-influenced cuisine will keep you smiling (pastizzi, anyone?). For the party-goers, St. Julian’s (especially the Paceville area) has an electric nightlife – so after the poker tables close, there’s always a club, bar, or late-night hangout to enjoy. With The Festival Series, we try to make it feel like a ''poker holiday'' with a great mix of poker action and relaxation, what better way then in the sunshine? You’re playing in a coastal paradise, and between hands you might almost hear seagulls and see tourists eating gelato by the marina. It’s hard not to be in a good mood when the sun is shining and the sea is sparkling just outside.
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Big Events and Big Winners at Portomaso Casino
Of course, a Festival stop at Portomaso Casino also means serious poker action. Each time The Festival has come to Malta, it brought a packed schedule of tournaments. In fact, the 2023 The Festival Series Malta featured about 50 different events in one week – Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Mixed Games, you name it – truly something for everyone. Players fly in from all over Europe (and beyond) to compete not just in the Main Event but in fun formats like Blackjack tournaments, Roulette tournaments, and even slots competitions. The poker room is full of different languages and styles, all united by a love of the game.
With big events come big winners and memorable moments. In 2023, for example, Norway’s Øystein Brenden took down The Festival Series Malta Main Event (€550 buy-in tournament) and won a whopping €60,900 for first place. The event drew 617 entries and a nearly €300K prize pool, epic! The very next year, 2024, saw another fantastic turnout – Victor Gil‑den Houting triumphed over a field of 566 players to snag €55,000 as the Main Event champion. These might not always be life-changing scores, but what’s even more notable is the celebration and camaraderie that follows. When a new The Festival Series champion is crowned, it’s not a stiff ceremony – it’s high-fives, photos, and maybe a jump in the pool later!
Beyond the main events, many players also become legends in the side events. From local Maltese grinders winning a roulette tournament to international poker pros trying out the Bombpot Tournament or the Sviten Special game, there’s always a story. The Festival Series prides itself on a diverse range of games and even introduced things like The Hendon Mob Championship (THMC) and Open Face Chinese Poker High Rollers as part of the schedule. Or what to think of a Slots Championship winner that was celebrated for “pressing the buttons the best” on the casino floor – not something you see at your typical poker stop, right?! All of this variety means everyone will find something they like to attend. It doesn't matter if you’re a Texas Hold’em purist, a mixed games lover, or adoring casino games, Portomaso has it going on during The Festival Series week.
And let’s not forget the local heroes. In 2023, a Maltese local, Matthew Micallef, made the final table of the Main Event, and the rail (the spectators) went crazy cheering for their hometown player, or when Karl Galianze won the Bombpot Tournament. That kind of electric atmosphere – where every all-in gets a cheer and every victory gets applause – is what makes poker, and especially our Festival in Malta feel so special. It’s competitive, sure, but it’s also one big poker party.
Off the Tables: Beach Days, Boat Rides, and More
One thing that we try to aim for to set us apart, are the hospitality events – the off-the-table activities that are just as exciting as the poker. In Malta, The Festival’s hospitality team really pulls out all the stops to give players a taste of the island life. It’s not just poker; it’s a full holiday experience. Here are some of the fun activities our players have enjoyed during past Festival stops in Malta:
- Beach Day – Group outings to Malta’s lovely beaches at Golden Bay. Players grabbed their sunscreen and spent a sunny morning by the sea, tossing frisbees and taking a dip. Nothing beats unwinding on the sand after a night of poker.
- Pool Party – An epic rooftop pool party at Flo's Skypool, complete with a DJ, drinks, and stunning views of St. Julian’s. Players traded poker chips for pool floats and spent the afternoon dancing in their swimsuits. It’s the ultimate way to cool off and socialize.
- Brewery Tour – A trip to the famous CISK beer brewery of Parsons. Poker players learned how Malta’s beloved CISK beer is made (with plenty of sampling, of course). Martin 'Franke' von Zweigbergk, The Festival founder, is known to call Maltese beer “tea,” so this event was a hilarious must-do event.
- Wine Tasting & Dinners – Relaxed evenings where players sip local Maltese wines on a rooftop while nibbling on cheese. There have also been group dinners at popular restaurants (like a big pizza lunch to kick off the week). These gatherings let everyone chat, laugh, and make friends away from the tables.
And that’s just a taste! Every Malta stop, the schedule of activities might change a bit, but it’s always awesome. One morning it was yoga by the sea; another day, a poker-themed quiz night at a pub. We really try to make sure that nobody is ever bored. Even if you bust a tournament, you’ve got a fun event to look forward to that same day. It’s all about community and adventure. Players often say these side events are what create the unforgettable memories – you might forget how you busted the Main Event, but you’ll never forget singing karaoke with new friends or partying on a boat in Malta.
Friendly Faces and Festival Vibes
What truly makes Portomaso Casino feel like home during The Festival is the people. The staff at Portomaso and The Festival crew vibe together really well, even that good that even first-timers feel like regulars. From the moment you enter the casino, you’re greeted by smiles. The dealers, floor managers, and waitstaff are used to international guests and they know how to make everyone comfortable. In fact, Portomaso’s staff consistently get praised for being “very friendly and helpful”, and you really feel that warmth during the Festival week.
Many of the staff members have been there year after year, so they remember faces and names, take for example 'Ludo's Academy'. It’s not unusual to hear a dealer say, “Welcome back, how’ve you been?” to a returning player – which is kind of amazing at a festival. This contributes to the community feel. The Festival founder, Martin “Franke” von Zweigbergk, and the team also walk around chatting with players, cracking jokes, and making sure everyone is having a good time. That casual, everyone-knows-everyone atmosphere is part of the magic. It’s worlds apart from a stiff, corporate tournament series; here it feels like a gathering of friends. Even if you come alone to Malta, you’ll leave with new poker buddies – guaranteed.
The Portomaso staff also go the extra mile in small ways. Lost your way in the casino? Someone will happily guide you. Need a dinner recommendation? They’ll tell you about a great pasta place down the street. All these personal touches make a huge difference. It’s the kind of stop where players and staff end up taking a group photo together at the end of the week singing songs in Italian, just to remember the good times.
A Poker Stop That Feels Like a Holiday
In the end, what makes The Festival at Portomaso Casino in Malta so special is the unique blend of vacation and poker. It’s the ultimate combo: you’re playing cards in a competitive setting, but you’re also in a Mediterranean paradise enjoying life. Players love coming to Malta for The Festival Series because they get the best of both worlds. One moment you might be deep in a poker tournament, completely focused; the next, you’re lounging in the sun with a cocktail, laughing with new friends. That balance is rare in the poker world, and it’s why the Malta stop has become a beloved tradition.
Portomaso Casino and its surroundings provide a stage for both low- to midstakes and laid-back chill. You can literally bust out of a tournament and walk a few steps to see a stunning marina view – instant perspective that hey, life is good. Many players tag on extra days before or after the festival to explore Malta’s beaches, historical sites, and nightlife, essentially turning the trip into a full-on poker holiday. Among those who’ve been is that The Festival in Malta is “something for everyone”, poker pro and casual player alike. If you’re a serious player, you’ll appreciate the well-run tournaments and the chance to compete for big prizes. If you’re more social or recreational, you’ll love the community vibes, the parties, and the touristy fun. Most love both aspects – why choose when you can have it all?
As The Festival Series has proven over multiple visits, Malta is more than just another stop – it’s an experience. The combination of sunshine, great poker, friendly people, and the simple joy of being on a beautiful island makes it unbeatable. Regardless, if you’re there to chase a trophy or just to enjoy the scene, Portomaso Casino delivers. It’s no wonder players keep coming back year after year. In Malta, poker isn’t just about winning money; it’s about making memories. And at Portomaso, those memories tend to be the kind you’ll smile about for years, telling your friends, “I played poker in Malta – and it was absolutely awesome.”
So, if you ever get the chance to attend The Festival in Malta, pack your sunglasses along with your poker face. You’ll find great games, new friends, and an atmosphere that’s as warm and fun as a summer beach day. Portomaso Casino truly brings The Festival spirit to life – and once you experience it, you’ll understand why Malta holds a special place in every Festival-goer’s heart.
