Adrián Mateos: Exclusive Winamax Interview & Thoughts on 2025, WSOP 2026 & More

Adrián Mateos, widely considered the best Spanish poker player of all time, recently sat down with Winamax, the French poker room that sponsors him as a Team Pro, for an in-depth interview. The conversation, conducted by Soflo and Benjo, covered Mateos’ recent performance, future goals and thoughts on the current poker landscape.

A Year of Contrasts

Mateos reflected on a 2024 that he described as difficult to surpass, acknowledging that 2025 presented a different challenge. While 2024 was his most successful year to date, 2025 saw mixed results. He secured a bracelet win, but in one of his lower buy-in events. Despite this, he finished the year with a positive return on investment (ROI) in terms of buy-ins, though he noted it was a financially negative year overall.

Did You Know? Adrián Mateos won the 2013 World Series of Poker Europe Main Event at age 19 for €1,000,000.

Strategic Evolution and Teamwork

Mateos emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in his game. He highlighted a key change in his workflow from the previous year: hiring assistance with solvers and other analytical programs. He also credited his study group, which includes Juan Pardo and João Vieira, as instrumental in his development, describing it as a collective of some of the best players in the world.

Looking Ahead: High Stakes and the All-Time Money List

Mateos’ ambitions remain focused on high-roller events, where he believes he can maximize his earnings. He stated that competing in these high-stakes tournaments is a direct path toward climbing the All-Time Money List. He is currently ranked among the top players globally, with total live earnings of $54,888,181 as of February 6, 2026.

Expert Insight: Mateos’ emphasis on high-roller events and strategic analysis demonstrates a calculated approach to maximizing earnings and solidifying his position within the competitive poker world. His investment in tools and collaborative study groups reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of the game.

WSOP 2026 Concerns

Mateos also shared his thoughts on the recently published schedule for the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP). He expressed a belief that the schedule lacks sufficient high buy-in tournaments, noting that the larger buy-ins are concentrated in the first two weeks, with only $50,000 events following the Main Event. He suggested the inclusion of more $25,000, $50,000, and even $10,000 tournaments to cater to a wider range of players.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Adrián Mateos’ biggest challenge in 2025?

Mateos stated that 2025 was a difficult year for him in live tournaments, despite winning a bracelet in a lower buy-in event. He experienced a “bad run” with his higher buy-ins.

Who does Adrián Mateos study with?

Mateos studies with Juan Pardo and João Vieira, describing their group as “incredible” and comprised of “some of the best players in the world.”

What are Mateos’ thoughts on the WSOP 2026 schedule?

Mateos believes the WSOP 2026 schedule is lacking in high buy-in tournaments, suggesting the need for more events with buy-ins of $25,000, $50,000, and $10,000.

As Adrián Mateos continues to compete at the highest levels of poker, what impact will his strategic adjustments and collaborative approach have on his future success?