Tereza Vernerova Wins Battle of Malta Main Event

The 600 euro Main Event of the 2026 Battle of Malta Autumn Edition, held at Casino Malta in Malta, drew 5,368 entries. The winner had initially been set to receive 227,835 euros. Czech poker player Tereza Vernerova, who won the tournament, became the first woman to win the Battle of Malta Main Event.

The final table lasted more than 12 hours. Vernerova defeated Ofer Tadmor heads-up. After an ICM deal, she won 162,635 euros and took the Knight Trophy. After winning the trophy, she embraced her husband and celebrated with the cup.

Vernerova said she entered the final table feeling nervous. Although she started the day as chip leader, she had never played at a final table of this size before. She said her husband had prepared her well. He stayed by her side throughout the tournament, brought her food and water, and supported her during breaks. It was reported that the trophy would be placed at their home, next to the trophies her husband had won earlier.

Battle of Malta invited Vernerova to take part in the 2027 tour. It was announced that the series will visit Barcelona, Bratislava and Tallinn next year, and will also hold a summer edition in Malta. Vernerova said she was especially interested in Bratislava because it is close to the Czech Republic.

At the final table, Lulei Hu started with the shortest stack and caused an early double fold with a set he made against Malatynski. Marco Lopez Coronado was the first player eliminated. He lost most of his stack in a confrontation with Marios Kapiris, then was forced all-in with all his chips. Kapiris completed a flush and eliminated Coronado in eighth place.