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The 2026 PLO Grand Slam Malta runs from January 19–26 at Portomaso Casino, marking another major stop on the Diamond Poker Series calendar and the first PLO-focused festival of the year for many high-stakes regulars.
Built around elite Pot-Limit Omaha action, the week-long festival features seven headline PLO events, more than €3 million guaranteed, and a new ranking system that’ll tempt you to keep returning for more four-card action in Europe.
Series Overview
The Malta stop is one of the key dates on the Diamond Poker Series calendar, built around big buy-ins and proper structures. It’s also setup to make it easier for you to stay on site and focus on playing. Across eight days, players will find:
- Seven elite PLO tournaments
- Multiple formats including PKO, 5-card and 6-card variants
- Flagship championships with seven-figure guarantees
- A Play & Stay program tied directly to participation
- The launch of the official 2026 Diamond Poker Series ranking system
The €1M GTD €10K Championship serves as the centerpiece of the series, while the €5K Million offers a slightly lower entry point but still allows you to compete for a €1 million guaranteed prize pool.
The €15K PKO High Roller opens the festival and promises no less than €300,000 being paid out in prizes.
Beyond the headline events, players can expect:
- 5-card and 6-card PLO turbos
- Deep-stack championship structures
- Satellite pathways into the main events
- Bomb-pot formats
PLO Grand Slam Malta Full Schedule
New Diamond Poker Series Ranking System for 2026
The Malta festival also launches the official Diamond Poker Series Ranking System, that will reward both performance and consistent participation throughout the season.
How the System Works:
- Players earn points at eligible events across the season
- Rankings reset at the start of each year
- The top seven players qualify for fully sponsored 2027 passes
- Satellite events do not award points
Players earn loyalty and achievement points by competing in selected tournaments, with both contributing toward the overall rankings.
Loyalty points are awarded based on tournament buy-ins. A €15,000 entry earns 1,500 points, while a €5,000 buy-in is worth 500 points. In simple terms, drop a zero from the buy-in and that’s your points total. Formally, buy-ins are converted using the following formula: Buy-in × 0.1 = Points.
Achievement points are earned from prize money, using the following formula: Prize Money × 0.2 = Points. Any winnings are multiplied by 0.2, meaning a €15,000 cash results in 3,000 points, while a €5,000 payout earns 1,000 points.
The top seven finishers on the 2026 leaderboard will receive sponsor-funded passes for the following year.
| Place | Pass | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diamond Pass | €60,000 |
| 2–3 | Platinum Pass | €35,000 each |
| 4–5 | Gold Pass | €25,000 each |
| 6–7 | Silver Pass | €20,000 each |
| Total Prize Value | €220,000 |
Each pass includes tournament entries and luxury hotel accommodation and does not affect prize pools.
Play & Stay for Free at Hilton Malta
One of the best features of the Malta stop is the Play & Stay for Free program, offering complimentary accommodation at the five-star Hilton Malta for qualifying players.
Tournament Option
Players qualify by registering for:
- Day 1 of the €10,000 Championship
- Day 1A of the €5,000 Million
Entering both events unlocks free hotel accommodation as part of the offer.
Cash Game Option
Alternatively, players can qualify through cash play by:
- Playing €25/€25 blinds or higher
- Logging a minimum of six hours per day
Guest Relations Managers are available on-site to assist with booking and coordination.
Senior Editor & Live Events Executive