In the latest episode of , founder of the Malta Poker Fish community, Antoine Degiorgio discusses with host Ivonne Montealegre how Malta has emerged as a popular destination for card players traveling the circuit.The twenty-two-minute conversation charts his rise from a Facebook group to becoming a neutral ambassador for SiGMA Poker Tour. The discussion matters to both recreational and professional players because it explains how the island now offers year-round live and online action, tax-free winnings, and a calendar featuring PokerStars, the Malta Poker Festival, and the Battle of Malta. It also demonstrates how Degiorgio’s inclusive approach makes visitors feel welcome.
Malta Poker hub gains momentum
Degiorgio credits Malta’s success to its compact geography and shared purpose. “Nobody beats us on that,” he tells Montealegre when describing the blend of beaches, history and nightlife that surrounds the tables. He adds that the main tourist district measures just one square kilometre, making it easy for players to move between venues.
The community he started with a single Facebook page now acts as the noticeboard for tournaments, apartments and study groups. “We have three 바카라s within one kilometre of each other,” Degiorgio reminds viewers, underlining why newcomers rarely feel isolated. Workshops run by residents help relocating grinders settle quickly and avoid the distractions of St Julian’s party strip.
“We advanced ten times faster thanks to iGaming.”
Local participation is limited until the age of twenty-five because of national regulations, yet Degiorgio believes the delay strengthens social bonds once players arrive at the tables. Seasoned regulars actively greet first-timers, teach mixed games and encourage women to join cash sessions, creating what he calls “a thriving community” whose friendliness sets it apart from larger resorts.
International events and the iGaming boost
Backed by dozens of gaming companies that moved to the island after European Union accession, Malta now attracts festivals that once rotated elsewhere. Degiorgio recalls the early European Poker Tour stop that felt like “a real fish in a bigger aquarium”, yet ultimately proved too frequent. Lessons learned then help organisers pace today’s schedule so that every festival succeeds.
The return of PokerStars this autumn illustrates that new balance. As Degiorgio explains, “When the stars align, the event is being held in Malta, which is amazing,” a result he credits to cooperation among operators, 바카라s and government. Hosting costs are higher than they were a decade ago, yet organisers see value in Malta’s travel links, English-speaking workforce, and established player base.
“Every tournament is a learning experience.”
Degiorgio also champions affordable buy-ins. The forthcoming SiGMA Poker Tour will offer freeroll qualifiers and entry levels that “suit all the locals,” removing barriers for Maltese amateurs and visiting digital nomads. According to the ambassador, those friendly stakes sit comfortably alongside a guaranteed prize pool of 150,000 euros, proving that growth and accessibility can coexist.
Charity, learning and the road ahead
Beyond commercial events, Degiorgio organises annual charity tournaments that support causes such as ALS care. Degiorgios charitable efforts resonate with SiGMA Foundations global projects to improve lives around the world, underscoring pokers potential as a force for good. He enjoys the relaxed atmosphere, noting that players “put their hair down” and often need “a van to go home with prizes”. Last year’s edition filled several rooms with memorabilia, including Neymar Junior shirts, and raised funds while building community spirit.
Degiorgio describes himself as a recreational player who studies with professionals and embraces constant improvement. “A fish like me can win a big tournament,” he says, recalling a forty-thousand-euro score in Rozvadov, gained by avoiding mistakes and observing opponents instead of wearing headphones. His advice is simple: play live, talk to people, and treat every event as an opportunity for education.
Looking ahead, he predicts continued expansion even with the under-twenty-five restriction. Cosmopolitan visitors from Finland, Sweden, Germany and Portugal already return two or three times a year. Degiorgio believes Malta can become what he calls “the Mediterranean Las Vegas,” while remaining “a bit more exotic” than its desert counterpart, by combining poker, culture, and sunshine.
Join the SiGMA Poker Tour, taking place during SiGMA Euro Med 2025 from September 2 to 7 in Malta for a 150,000 guaranteed prize pool.
