As the year began, Adrián Mateos set a goal to capture the 2024 Global Poker Index Player of the Year award. Despite racking up two seven-figure Triton Series wins and numerous six-figure scores, Mateos trails the surging Jesse Lonis by 62 points with only six weeks remaining. Who will come out on top is anyone’s guess.
“I’m very competitive and want to win the GPI POY this year,” declared Mateos. “Let’s see how the rest of the year plays out.”
The legendary Spaniard took a break from the action at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Monte Carlo to answer a few questions for PokerOrg.
Where is the most unusual place you've ever played poker?
Probably the most unusual place I played poker was in restaurants in Madrid. When I was young, I played in restaurants, discos, and all kinds of rare places. We played very low stakes, such as a €20 or a €50 tournament, and stuff like that.
What is your favorite go-to food when playing poker?
The thing I eat the most during a poker tournament is probably steak and chicken. I like it, it's high protein, and I just enjoy eating it. I think it's healthy for me.
Given total power, what is one thing that you would change in the poker world?
The thing I would like to change is the way many private cash games are closed to most players, especially live. I think poker works better when anyone can play in any game.
That’s why I love tournaments; everyone is the same. You just buy into a tournament and play with the same rules as everyone else. Private games are tough to get into if you want to play, because the host decides who plays and who doesn't play. I would like to change that.
What is the stupidest thing you've ever done or seen at the poker table?
I was there a few years ago at the World Series of Poker when a person stood up on the table. He was very mad. And, of course, he was banned from the property. I was seated at one of the closer tables to watch all of this craziness happen.
Other than poker, what is your favorite game to play?
I like every game. But I try not to play too many different games that are not poker. The problem is I'm a really competitive person. I’m usually really good at many games and enjoy discovering strategies for new games, video or board games included.
But when I play a game, I want to be really good at it. So, I try not to play other games too much because they consume much of my energy and time away from poker.
If you could change one rule in poker, what would it be and why?
I wouldn’t change any rule in poker. Poker is amazing, I love it. I think most people love poker the way it is. In poker, there must be some pain, drama, and luck involved. It’s why we love it!
Have you ever gone through such a rough period in poker that you thought about quitting?
I have been through some rough periods in the past. I remember one time that it was very, very tough. But I never thought about quitting the game. I‘ve always trusted my ability to overcome these things by playing more and studying more than my opponents. That is something that I have always done.
I guarantee there will be more rough times in the future for me. You should be prepared to work through those times by outworking your opponents. That is the easiest way to get through it from my experience.
Want more? Check out PokerOrg’s First-Hand Hands with Adrián Mateos. Follow Adrián on X and Instagram.
Additional images courtesy of Rational Intellectual Holdings, Ltd/Super High Roller Bowl Series
