Players around the world continue finding a busy tournament scene as more poker operators announce live events. Many of those come with numerous online qualifying opportunities as well and players are clamoring for the action.
Unibet is the latest to get in the act and recently announced that the Unibet Open is heading back to Malta this fall. The series has become one of the most popular events on the European poker calendar and runs Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 at the InterContinental Hotel in St. Julian’s.
This year marks the series’ 25th anniversary and the 15th season of the Unibet Open. The annual event also includes numerous opportunities to secure a seat online at Unibet.
“We’re really looking forward to our return trip to Malta in September,” Unibet Open head of events Nataly Sopacuaperu said in a news release.
Malta is one of our favorite destinations and our festivals there always have an amazing atmosphere. September is also the perfect time of year to visit Malta; it’s lovely weather and still warm enough to sit outside and soak up the sun.”
Earning a Unibet Open package online
Unibet Poker is ensuring that players have plenty of opportunities to qualify for the Main Event in Malta. Satellites began April 18 and run all summer in the lead-up to the tournament.
The last qualifier is set for Sept. 18, just 11 days before the tournament begins. Players can also buy in directly online through Sept. 21. Those are able to scoop up a €2,000 tournament package earn:
- tournament buy-in
- four-night hotel stay throughout the championship
- breakfast and dinner
- access to player parties
- Unibet merchandise upon arrival at the series
A look at the series
Plenty of poker action awaits those heading to Malta. The last festival, held in 2019, produced a record-breaking 327 entries for a €327,000 prize pool.
British player Alan Carr won the Main Event in 2019 for €53,400. More than 730 players turned up to compete throughout the series.
However, events in 2020 and 2021 took place online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers are hoping for an exciting series and a big turnout for the four-day festival’s return.
The Intercontinental Hotel is Malta’s largest five-star hotel and located in the same property as the tournament. Players will be just minutes away from all the Unibet Open action as well as cash games at Casino Malta.
The Intercontinental offers three swimming pools, a spa, fitness center, and private beach. All Unibet qualifiers earn full access to the welcome drinks and players party.
Here’s a look at a few of the bigger names to rise to the top in the Main Event’s history:
- 2011: Mateusz Moolhuizen (Netherlands), €117,000 – 293 entries, €417,525 total prize
- 2016: Martin Soukup (Czech Republic), €65,000 – 292 entries, €292,000 prize pool
- 2018: Daniel Jacobsen (Denmark), €60,090 – 273 entries, €273,000 total prize