Category Day 1E

Level 8: 600/1200 (1200)
Entries: 327/477

Gianpiero Barrile opened the pot to 2,600, and fellow Italian Vincenzo Federico made the call from the button. Small blind Jozsef Hegyi wasn’t backing down, 3-betting to 9,600. Both Barrile and Federico called, setting up a three-way pot to the flop.

The flop came J♠10♦2♥. Hegyi, the preflop aggressor, checked, as did Barrile. Sensing an opportunity, Federico bet 11,500. Hegyi folded, and after some thought, Barrile called.

The turn brought a risky Q♥, creating potential two-pair, flush, and straight combinations. Barrile checked, and Federico followed with a telling 16,000 bet, leaving himself only 18,000 behind. That cautious but strategic bet was enough to make Barrile lay down his hand.

Gianpiero Barrile – 110,000
Vincenzo Federico – 90,000
Jozsef Hegyi – 115,000

Level 7: 500/1000 (1000)
Entries: 344/472

Down to his last 12 big blinds, Jens Lauritzen (pictured below) faced an all-in shove from Aaron Fletcher in the small blind. Lauritzen wasted no time calling from the big blind, and the two went to a showdown:

• Jens Lauritzen: A♣4♦
• Aaron Fletcher: K♣8♠

The flop brought a safe 2♦2♥9♥ for Lauritzen, who was in great shape with his ace high. The 6♣ on the turn and 3♥ on the river kept him ahead, allowing him to double up to 27,000 and stay in the fight in Day 1E.

Jens Lauritzen – 27,000
Aaron Fletcher – 55,000

Day 1F of the MPF Grand Event is now underway, giving players one last shot at a 40-minute level structure to secure their spot in Day 2. This is the final standard-paced flight, so if you’re looking for a steadier grind, now’s the time to jump in!

For those looking for a fast-track option, the Day 1G Turbo flight starts at 21:00 tonight, and tomorrow morning’s last-chance turbo flight at 10:00 offers another shot. Both turbo flights feature 20-minute levels for quicker action.

Best of luck to everyone on Day 1F and beyond!

Level 7: 500/1000 (1000)
Entries: 351/463

Colin Gray on the cutoff, Antonio Dimitrovski on the button, and Dalila Basile, who recently re-entered Day 1E, found themselves in a three-way pot on a 2♦5♦3♣ flop. The action was on Gray, who bet 10,000, with only Dimitrovski making the call.

The turn 9♣ didn’t slow Gray down, as he fired another 12,000. Dimitrovski called once more. On the river 9♥, Gray checked, and after some thought, Dimitrovski opted to check behind.

Gray turned over 4♠4♣, showing a pair of fours and an open-ended straight draw. Dimitrovski mucked, and Gray scooped the pot.

Colin Gray – 105,000
Antonio Dimitrovski – 90,000

Level 6: 400/800 (800)
Entries: 347/447

As the Main Event players step away for their 15-minute break, the €300 PLO Knight Crusaders tournament, hosted by the legendary Mayoman, has just begun. With only 20 minutes of play in the books, it’s already drawing a nice turnout with 60 entries and counting.

The energy here is electric as both tournaments heat up – good luck to everyone battling it out at the tables!

Level 6: 400/800 (800)
Entries: 351/444

Dalila Basile found herself in a big pot on a 4♥7♣J♥ flop against big blind David Marshall. After some action, they eventually got it all in on the flop, with Basile committing her 27,100 chips and Marshall slightly covering her stack.

Both hands were revealed: Basile held A♥Q♥ for a flush draw and two overs, while Marshall had J♦7♥ for two-pair. The Italian needed a heart or some running cards to stay in the tournament.

Unfortunately for Basile, the 7♠ on the turn sealed her fate, leaving her drawing dead as she exited the tournament.

David Marshall – 67,000
Dalila Basile – 0

Day 1E of the MPF Grand Event has started with a bang, already drawing in over 240 entries after just one level of play! This incredible turnout has pushed us well past the €500,000 guaranteed prize pool, setting a new high as we head toward what looks to be our largest starting day yet.

With stacks building and players fiercely competing, Day 1E is proving to be one of the most thrilling events of the series so far. As players battle it out to secure their place in Day 2, we’re seeing a range of both experienced competitors and new faces, all contributing to an electric atmosphere here at the tables.

Good luck to everyone aiming for Day 2. With this level of participation, today’s event will be one for the books—let’s keep the energy high and the chips stacking!

It’s a packed Friday here at the Malta Poker Festival, with three Main Event starting days on the schedule, giving players multiple chances to secure a spot on Day 2.

Here’s a rundown of today’s events:

• 10:00 – €230 Luxon Pay Mystery Bounty Day 1
  The day kicked off with the thrilling Mystery Bounty, which already boasts over 275 entries as players chase both bounty rewards and a shot at the big prize!
  
• 13:00 – MPF Grand Event Day 1E
  Our flagship Grand Event continues with 40-minute levels in Day 1E. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance to Day 2!
  
• 17:00 – €300 PLO Knight Crusaders
  Hosted by the legendary Mayoman, this Pot-Limit Omaha event offers a unique twist on the classic poker format.
  
• 18:00 – MPF Grand Event Day 1F is the last non-turbo flight for the Grand Event.
  
• 19:00 – Satellite to the Main
  This €65 buy-in satellite offers 15-minute levels for players looking to join the Grand Event at a reduced entry fee.
  
• 21:00 – MPF Grand Event Day 1G Turbo
  The second-to-last chance to qualify for Day 2 of the Grand Event! This turbo flight features 20-minute levels with 10 levels of late registration.

Best of luck to everyone joining today’s events, and let’s keep the energy high as we approach the weekend. Good luck at the tables!