Navigating the halls and events of the World Series of Poker each summer can feel like decoding the Matrix unless you’re Kevin ‘KevMath’ Mathers, poker’s ‘unofficial’ Super Nerd.
Though he wears no cape — that we know of – he’s the man who has an answer for nearly every query about WSOP schedules, tournaments, structures, payouts, and even flash flood warnings in the Paris ballrooms.
In addition to being the official WSOP Social Media Czar, Mathers is the Poker Information Manager for the Global Poker Index as well as the legendary Hendon Mob website, which are just a few of the many reasons he’s one of the most sought after and beloved individuals in the poker world.
Why, you ask? Because he knows stuff.
“I’m a big nerd, but I don't really fit the stereotype,” says Mathers. “I never really did a lot of gaming. But I always loved poker. I would follow and contribute posts to the 2+2 forums and write updates about what's going on about poker on my Twitter. It was fun for me. And people seemed to like what I was sharing.”
The go-to guy
Since 2016, Mathers has been the go-to tall guy for answers at the WSOP, juggling thousands of questions across X (formerly Twitter) the WSOP Plus app, and face-to-face in the halls of the Horseshoe and Paris Casinos. “I answer player’s questions on my own personal Twitter account and in person while I’m walking around. I’m also diligently putting information and updates on the amazing new app this year for everyone.”
Mathers tireless attention to detail and infinite patience didn’t go unnoticed. The powers that be at the Asian Poker Tour came calling with an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“Fred Leung messaged me and asked if I would like to come out for the Asian Poker Tour Championship this November. They have definitely done some amazing things. They state that they're the fastest growing poker tour out there. They've had great numbers in South Korea and Jeju. They are wrapping up the year with a big championship series in Taipei. I am really looking forward to being a part of that.”
More than ready
It would seem that Mathers is more than ready to initialize his first adventure into Asia next month. “I'll be flying out on the 11th of November and will be in Taipei for three weeks. They have about 200 events during their Championship series. It's going to be an interesting and fun experience.”
Once there, he’ll do what he does better than anyone: tweet, inform, guide, and keep everyone sane. At least as sane as any poker player grinding 200 events can possibly be.
There may be only one obstacle to overcome for Mathers while in Taipei, the small matter of the local language. Though expectations are always high for a card carrying super nerd, Mathers will solve it instantly with his trusty sidekick, a cell phone.
“I'm sure there's a lot of people that speak English in Taipei. But I am prepared to get used to using Google Translate, you know, because there’s a lot of stuff that's going to be in Mandarin.”
Like we said, he knows stuff, but he can’t be expected to know every language on the planet without a little assistance.
Flag hunting
Mathers also has a personal mission while traveling to Asia for the first time, a Taipei flag:
“Hopefully, I’ll get to play the opening event, it's event zero. It's an industry event. I may have a few other opportunities during the series. I feel like it’s my one big chance to get the Hendon Mob Taipei flag on my account. That would be pretty cool.”
If there’s one certainty during the Asian Poker Tour’s Championship Series in Taipei this November, it’s that Kevin Mathers will have the answers before anyone else even knows the questions.
Follow Kevin on X and check out The Asian Poker Tour’s Championship events here.
