Adrian Mateos, another Euro beast.
It's been quite odd to see some of the reactions elsewhere when European players have succeeded at this WSOP. Yes, most can be written off as pretty immature forum/You Tube style comments. But Aldemir, Schemion and now Matoes have all been critiqued in one way and another and I will admit it has grated on me at times.
It seems to stem from a lack of familiarity (Captain Obvious reporting for duty) and if a Euro centric player has not based himself primarily in the US there seems to be a 'can you believe this guy?' take to it all...and that is being polite.
Even the likes of Brent Hanks and Ali Nejad seemed to need to reassure watchers (themselves?) that Schemion was a force, had a huge tourney winnings and had earned over seven figures a year since 2013.
The reality in most cases is quite simple. Most Europeans can jump online and enter live events at 18 years of age. They have online, the EPT as well as domestic tours available to play in. They have a three year head start before even discussing talent regarding their games.
Most know who Chidwick or Mateos are but dip a little into the European talent pool and people will realize how deep it runs.
I realized I had a certain bias a few years ago watching Asian players, in the main through the recently established Triton series. As the founder members were billionaires, I got the impression most Asian players were loose and unsophisticated. Did not take long to be disavowed of the notion. Though I still think it fair to say Asians generally do like a gamble, there appear to be a lot of sophisticated players rising through the ranks as poker's reach broadens. And once they start taking down chamionships and bracelets I do not believe it will be because they have 'luck-boxed' their way to a win.
Well done Adrian Mateos.