Carlos Mortensen
Juan Carlos Mortensen, known by his nickname "El Matador," was born in Ecuador in 1972. With a Spanish mother and a Danish father, he embodies a unique blend of cultures. Throughout his poker career, Mortensen has become renowned for his strategic prowess and indomitable spirit. From humble beginnings, he defied the odds and rose to prominence in the competitive poker world. With an unwavering determination to succeed, Mortensen has etched his name in the annals of the game's history. His relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him the respect and admiration of fellow players and fans alike. Embarking on a path less traveled, Mortensen's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring poker enthusiasts worldwide.
Carlos and his five siblings had a pleasant upbringing as their family was quite affluent. His father, a diplomat, also owned several farms in Ecuador. When Carlos turned 15, his family relocated to Spain, where he completed his education by obtaining a Master's degree in Physics and Mathematics.
During his time in college, Mortensen entered into matrimony with Cecelia Reyes, forging a union that endured for a decade. Remarkably, Cecelia has also risen to prominence in the world of professional poker, solidifying her own reputation as a skilled player.
Mortensen started off as an enthusiastic player of chess. In April 1997, while working as a bartender at a gambling club, he was persuaded to join a Texas Hold'em game. In this game, he ended up losing $100. Frustrated with himself, he made a resolution to win back the money. And the very next day, he succeeded in doing so. From that point on, he developed a passion for poker.
| Land | Professional since | Favorite games | Bracelets | Highest profit | total profits | Rankings of the highest-earning individuals in history, based on their overall monetary accumulations, as of the year 2023. | Global Poker Index (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2000 | Texas Hold'em, Omaha | 2 | 3.970.415 $ | 12.107.757 $ | 34 | 654 |
| Hometown: | Henderson, Nevada |
| Interesting facts: | In Spain, he married Cecelia Reyes when they were both only 19 years old. Today, his wife is a successful professional poker player known as Cecelia Reyes-Mortensen. He is the first person to have won both the WPT and WSOP Championships. |
| Key moments in poker: | In 2001, Carlos Mortensen emerged victorious by claiming the most coveted poker title - the World Series of Poker Main Event. |
| Number of WSOP bracelets: | 2 |
| WPT/EPT Winnings: | 3 |
| Total tournament winnings: | $ 12.007.529 (Stand 2017) |
Start of poker career
From October of that same year, Carlos found no opponents of his level in Spain, prompting him to embark on a journey to the United States.
Unfortunately, his English skills were limited, and he only had a 3-month visa and around $3,000 to sustain himself and play. He struggled until his visa expired, but then managed to take home $10,000 and a wealth of experience.
Two years later, Carlos returned to the United States for the 1999 WSOP. Despite performing well, he didn't manage to win any money. However, he decided to stay and headed to Los Angeles, where he had a stroke of luck at the Commerce Casino, winning over $40,000. Only after his successful stint, Carlos finally made his way back to Spain.
Achievements at the WSOP and WPT.
After a series of successful visits to the United States in the subsequent years, he eventually decided to settle down in Nevada. It was in the year 2001 that he achieved his first major triumph, astonishingly emerging victorious in the WSOP Main Event and walking away with a whopping prize of $1,500,000.
Mortensen is renowned for his untamed, pugnacious, and unpredictable style at the poker table. Nevertheless, he stands as one of the most esteemed players in today's poker realm. His game is marked by a natural flair, impeccable bluffing skills, and a photographic memory, allowing him to vividly recall past opponents and their playing strategies. As a Full Tilt Pro, Carlos has achieved the largest cash prize in the history of the WTP, amounting to $5,754,310. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the sole player to have triumphed in both the WSOP and WPT Main Events. On average, he has netted $100,000 in winnings at every WPT event he has participated in.
