Tereza Vernerova Makes History as First Female Battle of Malta Champion

Tereza Vernerova made history at the Battle of Malta, becoming the first woman to win the main event. She outlasted a field of 5,368 entries to claim the title and a prize of €162,635 ($182,151 USD).

The Battle of Malta main event featured a €1 million guarantee, which was more than doubled with a final prize pool of €2,413,281. The top 726 finishers received a payout, with notable players like 2025 champion Candido Cappiello and Jon Kyte among those who cashed.

Vernerova held the chip lead going into the final day with eight players remaining. She faced several challenges, including losing a significant portion of her stack when she bluffed into a turned straight flush for Ofer Tadmor. However, she quickly bounced back with a double-up, pocket kings besting K-Q for Marios Kapiris. The final three players agreed to an ICM deal, securing $196,000 for Tadmor, $156,800 for Vernerova, and $140,000 for James Malatynski. Vernerova raised from the button with 9♥4♣ and Tadmor defended his big blind with K♣8♥. The flop came down 8♣4♠4♦ and Tadmor led out for 7,000,000 with eights up. Vernerova called in position with trips and the K♠ turn gave Tadmor kings and eights. He check-shoved over Vernerova’s 15,000,000 bet. She snap-called and the A♥ river made her victory official. The chips went in on a 10♥10♣7♣ flop with Vernerova holding 10♦4♣ against J♥7♥ for Tadmor. The K♣ turn and 3♣ river kept her hand best to send Tadmor home with the $196,000 he negotiated for.