Jimmy Vella

Jimmy Vella (also known in some databases as Mark Vella) is a Maltese professional poker player who has built a solid resume of in-the-money finishes across Europe. His live earnings total $177,013, placing him among the top earners from Malta.

Vella’s first recorded live cash came in February 2015 at the WPT World Poker Tour event at Dragonara Casino, where he placed 43rd in a €440 No Limit Hold’em Main Event for €750. He followed up in early 2016 with two cashes at the same venue: 17th in a $500+50 Main Event ($1,122) and 11th in a €1,000+100 Main Event (€3,800).

At the 2016 EPT Malta festival, Vella made two significant runs. In the €5,000+300 EPT Main Event (Event #33), he finished 71st out of 468 entrants, earning €8,070. A few days later, he placed 16th in a €300+30 EPT Main Event Turbo for €560. These performances marked his deepest runs in major tour stops.

In 2016, Vella also traveled to Estonia for the Kings of Tallinn festival, finishing 11th in the €1,000+100 Olybet Kings of Tallinn Main Event, taking €3,800. After a gap of several years, he returned to the felt in 2024, cashing in the EA Poker Tour Main Event at Portomaso Casino (31st for €1,650). His most recent score came in 2025 at the EPT Malta: he placed 60th in the €1,440+210 PokerStars Open Main Event for €5,650.

According to WSOP.com records, Vella has seven total cashes in WSOP-branded events (including online and live) for $23,979, though his Hendon Mob profile shows total live earnings of $177,013. He has not yet won a WSOP bracelet or circuit ring.

Vella currently ranks 8th on the Malta All Time Money List and 18,848th globally. His consistent cashes across multiple years and venues have made him a recognized figure in the Maltese poker community, often representing his country in international events.

While specific details are scarce, Vella’s results suggest a balanced tournament approach. His deep runs in large-field events (e.g., EPT Main Event) indicate patience and adaptability, while his ability to cash in varied buy-in levels shows versatility.