Malta’s Portomaso Casino will be kicking off 2026 in dazzling fashion with the launch of its newly refurbished poker room and the debut of the Diamond Poker Series, an 11-day festival running January 16-26, 2026. Featuring a massive €5 million in guaranteed prize pools — the largest guarantee total ever offered in a Portomaso Casino tournament series — this celebration marks an exciting new chapter for one of Europe’s most beloved poker destinations.
A Reimagined Property with a Special Malta Poker Festival Experience
The Portomaso team has invested heavily in elevating the look, feel, and comfort of the entire property, including the poker room, and the Diamond Poker Series is designed to showcase the new space in the grandest way possible. From upgraded tables and lighting to improved floor design and player amenities, the refurbishment aims to blend modern elegance with the electric atmosphere Malta’s poker community is known for.
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Headlining the schedule is a special iteration of the Malta Poker Festival, featuring:
- a €2,200 buy-in
- €1,000,000 guaranteed
- a massive 200,000-chip starting stack
- six Day 1 flights, including a fast-paced Day 1F Turbo
Players looking to maximize value will want to circle Day 1A on their calendars, specifically as it comes with an exclusive €200 buy-in discount, making it the best-priced entry point into the flagship event.
Malta Poker Festival Event Director Ivonne Montealegre shared that “We’re kicking off the new year with an extraordinary €5,000,000 in guarantees, highlighted by a special MPF Deluxe Edition Event offering €1,000,000 GTD. With a €2,000 buy-in and a discounted Day 1, players are getting a fair, exciting, and accessible shot at a seven-figure prize pool. I can’t wait to reunite with our MPF community at the tables and witness the newly transformed Portomaso Casino in all its splendour.”
A TV Table Fit for a Showcase
Organizers are also placing a spotlight on the action with a dedicated TV feature table. The final-day battles of both the marquee Malta Poker Festival event and the prestigious €10,000 buy-in Diamond Championship will be broadcast from the newly upgraded area, offering players a chance to shine under the lights in one of Europe’s most scenic poker hubs.
“This event marks the start of a new era for Portomaso Casino. Building on the tremendous success of our flagship Malta Poker Festival (MPF) and a strong roster of international collaborations — including The Festival Series, Vamos Poker Tour, IPO, Imperium Poker, The Diamond Poker Series, and our long-standing Italian partners — we are raising the bar with an enhanced poker offering and a dedicated TV table. We look forward to welcoming all our partners as we debut a groundbreaking poker series featuring an unprecedented €5,000,000 GTD — the largest guarantee ever hosted at Portomaso.”, said the casino’s Head of Business Development, Eros Nastassi.
A Diverse Schedule With Something for Every Player
Beyond the headline tournaments, the Diamond Poker Series schedule is rich with variety. Players will find:
- Multiple Pot Limit Omaha events
- Thrilling No Limit Hold’em Mystery Bounty tournaments
- A full slate of side events, satellites, and daily action to suit every bankroll
- Premium structures designed to reward deep play
The combination of festival-level guarantees, a modernized poker room, and a calendar packed with variety promises one of the most exciting poker experiences Malta has ever offered.
A Celebration Worth Traveling For
“It’s more than a refurbished casino — it’s a strengthened, future-focused operation built on decades of expertise and a passionate, poker-driven team. Our commitment to delivering top-tier events continues to grow, and in 2025 we hosted the island’s most extensive calendar of local and international tournaments. With a year-round poker room and a schedule packed with major series, Portomaso stands firmly as the home of poker in Malta.” said Jonathan Micallef, the casino’s General Manager.
With €5 million guaranteed, a freshly upgraded poker room, televised final tables, and a marquee event worthy of the Malta Poker Festival name, the 2026 Diamond Poker Series is poised to draw players from across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re targeting a big score, chasing a title, or simply eager to experience the new Portomaso ambiance, January 16-26 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss window of opportunity for poker players.
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