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Battle of Malta 2015 has already shattered all records – including becoming the biggest poker tournament in Malta history - so it is time to start thinking about BOM2016 and what to look forward to while here. Battle of Malta is considered the leading low buy-in stand alone poker tournament in the world. You can learn more about this fabulous tournament and register here.
Representation by US players is highly encouraged and Malta is easier than you think to fly to from the United States. And did we mention it's still beach and pool weather. The temperatures are just perfect - not too hot, not too cold - and sunshine every day. What more can you ask for?
This year’s hostess for BOM, Maria Ho, was among two dozen individuals who enjoyed a wonderful tour of Valetta, Malta Tuesday. The tour was organized by the Maltese Tourism Association, which now views BOM as a major contributor to the island nation’s economy.
Valletta, Malta’s capital and a World Heritage site, is nothing short of an open-air museum. It is a living experience of Baroque architecture, a monument donated by the Knights of St John nearly five centuries ago.
Throughout the years, Valletta has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists and poets and is now the permanent seat of the Maltese government. Dotted with quaint cafés and wine bars, the city is today one of Malta’s main tourist attractions, hosting among others, the majestic St John’s Co- Cathedral, the imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. It also provides a stunning snapshot of Malta’s Grand Harbour, often described as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
The city’s unique setting nowadays plays host to a series of cultural events, from theatre in English, to concerts by leading opera singers. A hive of business activity during the day, the city switches to a slower gear for the night. Use it to your advantage to get away from the noise and take a stroll to admire the magic of the fortified capital amplified by the gentle lighting. Admire the bastion walls,
Among the most amazing sites in Malta, St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Dare we say it was a bit of an eyesore from the outside (there are currently ongoing renovations). The interior is nothing short of breathtaking.
Built between 1573 and 1577 by Girolamo Cassar, the Cathedral used to be the conventual church of the Order. Unlike the rather severe exterior, the interior is sumptuous with coloured marble tombstones, frescoes and numerous treasure-filled chapels. The Beheading of St. John, Caravaggio’s masterpiece lies in the Oratory.
Additionally, we had an opportunity to visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens
Situated near Castille Place and possess unsurpassed views across the Grand Harbour over to the Three Cities, the origins of the Upper Barrakka Gardens go back to 1661, when it was a private garden of the Italian Knights, whose inns of residence (auberges) lie close by. It was not before 1824 that it was opened as a public garden and during WWII the garden suffered much destruction.
We would like to thank PokerListings.com and the Maltese Tourism Association for their amazing hospitality while here. Players will want to stay at the fabulous Corinthia Hotel St. George's. I frequently write reviews for TripAdvisor during my travels and this establishment will definitely be getting five stars.
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
