Margereson Outlasts Record-Breaking Field at Casino Malta
After four days of high-stakes action at Casino Malta, the United Kingdom’s Scott Margereson captured the €1,650 PokerStars Open title at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Malta. Margereson topped a record-breaking field of 1,845 entries—the largest of the festival—to claim the top prize of €423,700, while Spain’s Gerard Carbo finished runner-up for €264,650, his biggest career score.
Final Table Results
| Rank | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scott Margereson | United Kingdom | €423,700 |
| 2 | Gerard Carbo | Spain | €264,650 |
| 3 | Siarhei Sochneu | Belarus | €188,900 |
| 4 | Evaldas Aniulis | Lithuania | €145,350 |
| 5 | Donato De Bonis | Italy | €111,850 |
| 6 | Modar Alsoud | Germany | €86,500 |
| 7 | Ana Marquez | Spain | €65,950 |
| 8 | Barny Boatman | United Kingdom | €50,700 |
Royal Flush Drama on Day 3
One of the wildest moments of the tournament came on Day 3 when Portugal’s Claudio Coelho found himself all in with A♥Q♥ against Mateusz Moolhuizen’s identical A♦Q♦. What looked destined to be a chop turned into heartbreak for Coelho as the board ran out J♦K♦5♣10♦8♠, giving Moolhuizen a stunning Royal Flush. Coelho was eliminated, while Moolhuizen’s incredible hand drew cheers from the rail.
Carbo’s Dominant Run
Gerard Carbo came into the final day as one of the chip leaders and wasted no time asserting himself. After doubling through Ioannis Oikonomidis in a massive cooler, Carbo took command of the table and methodically eliminated Barny Boatman, Ana Marquez, Modar Alsoud, and Donato De Bonis. By the time four players remained, the Spaniard held over half the chips in play.
Margereson Finds Momentum
Margereson started the final day in third place and remained steady through the early stages. Once four players were left, however, he shifted gears. In quick succession, he knocked out Lithuania’s Evaldas Aniulis and Belarusian Siarhei Sochneu to set up the final heads-up showdown with Carbo.
The two briefly discussed a deal before play resumed, but Margereson—trailing slightly—declined. With €159,000 separating first and second, both players returned focused on the title.
Heads-Up Showdown
Margereson quickly seized the momentum by catching Carbo bluffing in the first major pot of the duel. From there, the Brit dominated the action, extending his lead to a commanding five-to-one advantage. In the final hand, Margereson’s 7-6outdrew Carbo’s A-9 after making a pair, sealing the win in just 22 hands.
“I ran so incredibly hot heads-up,” Margereson said with a grin after embracing his opponent and celebrating with his rail.
Looking Ahead
While the PokerStars Open has concluded, EPT Malta continues with the Main Event now underway. Both Margereson and Carbo are expected to make another run as the festival rolls on, keeping the excitement alive at Casino Malta.
