Here Are All The Winners Of Malta Esports Awards 2024!

Feb 19 2025

The inaugural Malta Esports Awards celebrated the talent and dedication within the local esports community, recognising standout players, teams, and contributors across 11 categories.

With over 500 public nominations and a panel of nine expert judges, the winners were unveiled at an exclusive ceremony at Cavalieri Art Hotel on February 7.

Andrea “Drakur” Vella claimed Rookie Player of the Year, making waves in League of Legends. Female Player of the Year went to Rachel “Raeychii” Azzopardi for her dedication to Tekken.

Naim “NerfGanon” Spiteri was honoured as RPG Player of the Year for his international success in Pokémon VGC. Luca “Aiglos” Vella, captain of Project Eversio, earned MOBA Player of the Year after leading his team to multiple local and international victories.

In racing, Sim-Racing Driver of the Year was awarded to Dean Vella, a national champion and FIA Motorsport Games competitor.

Shaun “Brandsha” Galea secured Sports Simulation Player of the Year, excelling in FIFA/EA Sports FC. Lyon “Lyonidas” Buhagiar was named Fighting Game Player of the Year for his dominance in Tekken tournaments.

Simon “sxj” Debono won Shooter Player of the Year for his success in Overwatch. Team of the Year went to Project Eversio’s League of Legends squad. Nathan “Zelli0n” Bonello received Outstanding Contribution to Maltese Esports for his work in the Counter-Strike scene.

The prestigious Esports Player of the Year award was given to Mateja “Qpert” Mijovic, a Valorant pro with Team Liquid Academy. The event marked a major milestone for Maltese esports, celebrating past achievements while paving the way for future growth.

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Malta’s Football Overhaul: Major Changes Coming 2025

Feb 19 2025

Malta’s football scene is set for an exhilarating transformation in 2025, igniting passion and anticipation among fans nationwide. The Malta Football Association (MFA) has unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at elevating the national teams’ performance and fostering a renewed sense of pride in Maltese football.

A New Era Under Emilio De Leo
At the forefront of this transformation is the appointment of Italian coach Emilio De Leo as the head coach and technical director of Malta’s national teams. De Leo, renowned for his tactical acumen and innovative training methodologies, brings a wealth of experience from top-tier Serie A clubs, including AC Milan, Torino FC, and Bologna FC. Expressing his enthusiasm, De Leo remarked, “Representing a national team means representing a country. I want to do this with determination and commitment, but ultimately with a lot of respect.”

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: A Challenging Road Ahead
Malta is set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying stage in Group G, facing formidable opponents such as Finland, Poland, Lithuania, and the yet-to-be-determined loser of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final between Spain and the Netherlands. The campaign kicks off on March 21, 2025, with a home match against Finland at the National Stadium, followed by an away game against Poland on March 24.

Key Fixtures to Mark on Your Calendar
March 21, 2025: Malta vs. Finland (Home)
March 24, 2025: Poland vs. Malta (Away)
June 7, 2025: Malta vs. Lithuania (Home)
June 10, 2025: Spain/Netherlands vs. Malta (Away)
September 4, 2025: Lithuania vs. Malta (Away)
October 9, 2025: Malta vs. Spain/Netherlands (Home)
November 14, 2025: Finland vs. Malta (Away)
November 17, 2025: Malta vs. Poland (Home)

Spotlight on Emerging Talents
Adding to the excitement, and according to Times of Malta, head coach De Leo will have the opportunity to include promising talents such as James Carragher, son of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, in the national squad. This infusion of young blood is expected to bolster the team’s dynamics and performance.

Join the Movement: #UnitedForMalta
The MFA is calling upon all supporters to rally behind the national team. Your unwavering support, both in the stands and across social media platforms, can serve as a catalyst for the team’s success.

Engage with the community using the hashtag #UnitedForMalta and be part of this historic journey.

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Agreement To Stengthen Pharmaceutical Sector Between Malta & Italy

Feb 19 2025

In Rome, the Malta Medicines Authority (MMA) and the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen the pharmaceutical sector between the two countries.

The signing of the agreement was presided over by the Minister for Health and Active Aging, Jo Etienne Abela.

The agreement aims to strengthen the collaboration between the two countries, leading to the achievement of shared goals in European pharmaceutical policy and beyond.

The signing of this agreement not only reaffirms the strong bond between Malta and Italy but also confirms Malta’s commitment to collaboration within the EU and, most importantly, towards the patients of our country.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained, “The goal of this agreement is to strengthen the role of Italy and Malta as key partners in the implementation not only of European pharmaceutical policy but to ensure the improvement of medicine safety and access, while at the same time promoting innovation and sustainability in the Mediterranean and throughout the European Union.”

This agreement will ensure that both countries benefit from the exchange of information and best practices in regulatory sciences, promote the adaptation of innovative methodologies including digitisation, regulatory automation, and artificial intelligence to improve regulatory decision-making and efficiency, create joint efforts through participation in international cooperation calls, build resilience against health emergencies, and work on strengthening operational capacities and expanding employee expertise.

Minister Abela stated that this agreement between the authorities will lead to opportunities for both countries to continue advancing in regulatory science in medicines. “It is important that Malta and Italy benefit from collaboration aimed at better serving our patients,” Minister Abela concluded.

In Rome, Minister Jo Etienne Abela also met with the Italian Minister for Health, Orazio Schillaci, where they discussed several points, including further collaborations between Malta and Italy regarding access to medicines, transplants, screening, transfusions, and training healthcare professionals.

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New Boċċi Pitch Inaugurated In Dar Il-Madonna Tal-Mellieħa

Feb 19 2025

After the success of the first boċċi pitch at the Imtarfa elderly home, a second pitch has now been inaugurated at Dar il-Madonna tal-Mellieħa.

This project, led by Active Aging and Community Care (AAKK), is part of an ongoing effort to create more opportunities for both physical and social activities for the elderly.

The pitch at Dar il-Madonna tal-Mellieħa was developed after several residents expressed interest in boċċi and had also taken part in the opening of the Imtarfa pitch. Accessibility was a key focus, ensuring that individuals with physical challenges, including wheelchair users, can easily participate.

Parliamentary Secretary for Active Aging, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, highlighted the positive results from investing in physical and social activities for the elderly.

He stated, “The experience at the Imtarfa pitch showed us that the elderly enjoy this sport, which encouraged further investment.

We are now working to find suitable areas in other residential homes, including San Vinċenz de Paul, to create more spaces where the elderly can engage in this sport, which supports both mental and physical well-being.”

Boċċi not only provides physical and mental exercise but also fosters social connections, especially for men who may otherwise be reluctant to join other activities.

The new pitch will be available to residents, Day Centre attendees, and elderly community members. AAKK is also planning tournaments between residential homes and the community, offering more chances for the elderly to interact and have fun together.

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