Adrian Mateos is one of the most accomplished and respected poker professionals to emerge from Europe. Hailing from Spain, Mateos has built an extraordinary reputation in both live and online tournaments, combining fearless aggression with calculated precision. His meteoric rise to the top of the poker world is marked by major titles, record-breaking performances, and a maturity at the table far beyond his years.
Early Life and Introduction to Poker
Born on July 1, 1994, in San Martín de la Vega, a small town near Madrid, Adrian Mateos discovered poker in his teenage years. Like many of his generation, he began playing online, honing his skills in low-stakes games before quickly progressing to more competitive environments. His natural talent and analytical mindset allowed him to stand out early, leading to his transition into the live tournament scene before the age of 20.
Breakthrough with EPT and WSOP Wins
Mateos burst into the international spotlight in 2013 when he won the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) Main Event in Paris at just 19 years old, earning over €1 million. This victory made him the youngest player ever to win a WSOPE Main Event and marked the beginning of a historic career.
Only a year later, he captured a European Poker Tour (EPT) title in Monte Carlo, winning the Grand Final Main Event and taking home €1,082,000. These back-to-back major victories positioned Mateos as a dominant force in the global poker landscape.
In 2017, he added another milestone by winning the WSOP $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship, collecting his third bracelet at the age of 22. He became the youngest player ever to win three WSOP bracelets.
High Roller Dominance
As Mateos matured, he cemented his status in the high-roller circuit. He has consistently cashed in $25K, $50K, and even $100K buy-in events against the toughest competition in the world. In 2021, he triumphed in the WSOP $250,000 Super High Roller, taking home $3.26 million—his largest career cash to date.
He has also posted impressive finishes at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, Triton Series, and Super High Roller Bowl, proving his ability to adapt to elite fields and maintain consistency.
Career Earnings and Global Recognition
Adrian Mateos has surpassed $40 million in live tournament earnings, ranking him among the top earners in the world and placing him at the top of Spain’s all-time money list. His success has not only inspired countless young Spanish players but also established Spain as a rising poker powerhouse.
Beyond the tables, Mateos is known for his quiet confidence, professionalism, and relentless dedication to improvement. He represents a new generation of poker talent—disciplined, data-driven, and fearless in big spots.
