If you look in most regions where poker gaming is offered, there is no longer a physical location to visit in which to play a cash game or tournament. Since the coronavirus outbreak has begun; casinos around the world have shut down in order to stop the spread. The virus is highly contagious, and it is recommended that everyone practice social distancing, staying at least six feet from anyone else. For poker providers, the closure of venues has caused a cancellation or postponement of many events. However, for some, a decision was made to move the gaming events online. The latest to do so is the Malta Poker Championships.
Moving Online
The Malta Poker Championships was originally supposed to take place in Malta in May. However, a partnership was struck between Qufan Internet Technology Ltd, The Hendon Mob and the Malta Poker Festival which will see the series now take place on Pokio. Qufan Internet Technology created a framework that will provide an alternative for the live series to now take place online via a social mobile poker platform.
The Malta Poker Championships will take place from May 22nd to the 27th. The series will include a Main Event with €30,000 in guaranteed prize money along with a Hendon Mob event with €10,000 up for grabs. The series will also include a Ladies Event titled Queens of Pokio. Each of these events will be on offer via the Pokio mobile poker application.
Players will find the festival schedule will include several events with varying guarantees and formats. The goal is to provide plenty of action for those who attend the Malta events regularly. Satellites will be offered as well to help players earn seats to events at a lower price point. Details of the satellites are to be provided soon.
Additional Details
As far as the series is concerned, the organizers have announced that every tournament will be rake-free. This is a gesture that organizers are offering due to the coronavirus pandemic. There will be no tournament fees charged by Pokio or organizers. The series also has plans to host a tournament with a rake where the funds will go towards live poker dealers who are having financial troubles due to casino closures.
The Hendon Mob will be tracking all the events of the Malta Poker Championships and will host their own event during the tournament. The schedule will also offer VIP bounties and other competitions. Streaming schedules along with additional details will be provided in the near future.
Organizers of the event hope that going online will be a ‘breathe of fresh air’ during this difficult time. They look forward to provide more info on the series and hope that the poker community will still be able to enjoy all the games and community feel from the comfort of home.
According to the organizers, the brick and mortar partners of the event have been cooperative and look forward to when live poker will be in full swing once again.
