The seventh edition of the Malta ePremier League has officially come to a close, powering through to a high-stakes finale that redefined “composure under pressure.” Italian standout Andrea ‘Montaxer’ Montanini, representing Żabbar St. Patrick FC, emerged as the undisputed champion.
His debut season victory doesn’t just earn him the trophy, it punches his ticket to the eChampions League and the World Cup Play-ins.
About the Malta ePremier League
Organised by GMR in collaboration with the Malta Football Association, the league brings together the country’s top EA FC players and attracting international talent to compete at a professional level, fostering growth in the digital and traditional sporting worlds.
A Proven Global Force
While this was his debut season in the ePremier League, Montaxer is a world-class player with extensive international experience. In 2024, he proved his skill by reaching the Quarter-Finals of the eChampions League, standing out as one of the top 8 performers in a field of 41 elite players from all around the world.
His dominance continued in France, where he represented FC Lorient in the eLigue 1 2024. Not only was he a vital part of the three-man squad that secured first place in the French national league, but his individual performance was so impactful that he was officially named the Best Foreign Player of the entire league.
From the PLAYCON Floor to the Main Stage
The journey to this year’s title began in October 2025 at PLAYCON, Malta’s largest gaming and esports expo.
Starting at The Training Grounds, over 32 participants fought for their initial ranking in a circuit that eventually saw more than 100 competitors battle through the qualifiers. From that massive talent pool, only 12 elite athletes, including Montaxer, secured their spot in the Main Competition, with each carrying the colours of a Malta Premier League club. In Montaxer’s case, he strutted the black and yellow colours of Żabbar St. Patrick FC.
Following the Training Grounds, the circuit moved into the Last Chance Qualifiers. It was here that Montaxer was placed as a wildcard entry, immediately making his presence felt by finishing as the only unbeaten player in the entire bracket.
After navigating the qualifiers, Montaxer was placed into Group C for the Main Competition. His path to the trophy was far from easy. At one point, Montaxer found himself in the Losers’ Bracket, facing an early exit in a high-pressure match against Tiago ‘Apottegio’ Araujo (Naxxar Lions FC). He narrowly avoided elimination, but he used that experience as a turning point. Following that survival, he went on to pull off one of the biggest upsets in league history by defeating the three time Malta ePremier League champion, Shaun ‘Brandsha’ Galea, clearing his path to the finals.
Government Support and Global Influence
The finals were also honored by a visit from the Hon. Minister Silvio Schembri, who has been a vocal advocate for the sector. Minister Schembri highlighted how far the league has come over the years, evolving from a local initiative into a cornerstone of Malta’s digital economy.
During his visit, he emphasised that the Malta ePremier League is a symbol of Malta’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem. By attracting international talent like Montaxer and professionalising the local scene, the league is significantly improving Malta’s influence in the global esports world, positioning the island as a premier hub for digital innovation.
The Final Match Day
By the end of the Knockout Stages, the field was whittled down to a powerhouse Final 4. The stage was set with a mix of international heavyweights and local talents:
- Andrea ‘Montaxer’ Montanini (Żabbar St. Patrick)
- Manuel ‘Manarc80’ Arcuri (Hibernians FC)
- Cruz ‘Cruzify’ Tabone (Valletta FC)
- Matthias ‘Tubbi’ Farrugia (Sliema Wanderers FC)
The Grand Final was an all-Italian tactical chess match between Montaxer and Manarc80.
Coming from the winners’ bracket, Manarc80 held the statistical advantage. However, Montaxer, fighting through the Losers’ Bracket, displayed incredible mental fortitude. He stunned the crowd by winning the opening series to force a bracket reset. With the momentum firmly in his favour, Montaxer remained clinical in the final deciding set, completing a legendary comeback to secure the title for Żabbar St. Patrick.
What’s Next for the Champ?
By conquering the seventh edition of the league, Montaxer has transcended domestic success. He now prepares to represent the Malta ePremier League on the global stage in The eChampions League and The World Cup Play-ins
