The long lasting owner of the Top Spot at the Online Poker World Championship Period II, Chris “OPWCmaltaman”, has shared some of his life with the News Team. Enter with us into the realm of the mightiest, and get to know better who currently runs the international poker competition.
Hi Chris, we are happy to have this conversation with you and want to congratulate you for keeping the first place of Period II for so long. The competitors and poker fans are eager to know more about you; please tell us
How did you start playing poker?
I started playing poker with a couple of friends meeting in a local football club we used to be from 5 to 12 players max, from then I moved on to Online poker, were I started playing 10 or 6 player SNG but my most favorite are tournaments were you have to manage your chips wisely, vary your game as much as possible and try to pick some good spots from where you can push, even if, sometimes you do all of the above but still Lady luck turns away from you.
What was the reason for you to continue playing?
Playing poker is clearly a hobby for me, so I would say that I continue playing because I love the game, its competitive nature, the ability of trying to make good reads and prove your skill when things seem to be heading towards another direction.
What are your goals playing poker?
I have never set any clear goals in my game of poker, would definitely love the opportunity to take part in the WSOP main event one day, however the bankroll needs to bulk up some more. I would love to play poker as a pro one day but I don’t see it in my near future, BUT you never know, surprises can come when least expected...
How did you come to the OPWC?
I came through OPWC whilst googling by accident, I loved the idea of winning a sponsorship and I decided to give it a go, my first period I had to play the 200SNG in about 2 weeks so the games were slightly rushed but this 2nd period I managed to increase my score. I still have some shots left but 4soul looks to be unstoppable again unfortunately for us Europeans.
What do you like about the OPWC?
The idea is great as I mentioned especially giving all players regardless of their normal buy in levels the same opportunity, and the idea of the continents battling it out is nice as well although not always the best players go through to the final periods...
What are your expectations in the World Championship and how do you see the rivals?
The European field is very competitive and it’s never easy to make it through in our category but my expectations is to make it through to the finals and hopefully manage to win that $10,000 sponsorship
Any special anecdote about your nicknames on the tables?
Maltaman or Manomalta are the nicks I normally use to make sure all understand that I come from our beautiful tiny island of Malta.
You seem like a disciplined player, how do you make it to climb at that pace?
I try to be disciplined although when you start tilting sometimes you cannot have control... As I said I am more into tournaments but for this particular competitions I play a number of SnG normally 6 players, I try to vary by playing some heads up and 20 player SnG and most of the time they are turbos.
On which of the accepted poker rooms can we find you and what tourneys do you usually play?
You can find me on LOTOS and PKR as well.
Your leadership during this period has been long and you still look strong enough to keep it, the OPWC wishes you the best. ¡¡¡Keep on rocking Maltaman!!!
