The Bormla International Open 2026 delivered a weekend of high-quality Subbuteo action on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January, as local and international players gathered for one of Malta’s most competitive tournaments of the season.

A total of 22 players took part in the Open individual competition on Saturday, including six players from Italy, underlining the international stature of the event organised by Bormla Subbuteo Club Malta.

The tournament culminated in a closely fought final, where Bormla SC’s Charles Aquilina claimed the title after defeating Italian opponent Carmelo Sciacca of ASD Messina TS 1–0 after extra time. Both finalists were pushed to their limits on the road to the final. Aquilina edged past Mark Gauci 4–3 after extra time in a thrilling semi-final, while Sciacca also needed extra time to overcome Jason Pisani 1–0.

The quarter-finals produced several tight encounters, highlighting the overall competitiveness of the field:

• Jason Pisani defeated Patrick Pace 2–0
• Carmelo Sciacca beat Jamie Bonnici 2–1 after a shootout, following a 1–1 draw in regular time
• Mark Gauci overcame Jean Carl Tabone 3–2
• Charles Aquilina edged past Jurgen Balzan 1–0

Sunday’s action shifted focus to the team competition, which featured a round-robin format involving four teams. The top two sides advanced to the final, where Valletta Subbuteo Club Malta emerged victorious with a 2–1 win over ASD Messina TS. Valletta’s successful team consisted of Samuel Bartolo, Mark Gauci, Derek Conti and Kurt Polidano, whose consistent performances across the day proved decisive.

Bormla Subbuteo Club extended its gratitude to Visit Malta (#ExploreMore), SportMalta, Mykonos by Yiamas, Watson’s by Euro Club Hotel, Fairbet Cospicua Dynamos and Każin Banda San Ġorġ Bormla for their support in making the event a success.

On a somber note, Bormla Subbuteo Club announced in the early hours of Monday morning the passing of Tessie Camilleri. She was an active member of the club’s Executive Committee, the mother of club president Mauro Camilleri and secretary Josef Camilleri, and the sister of captain Charles Aquilina and PRO Domenic Aquilina. The club paid tribute to her dedication and expressed its deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.