Carlos Mortensen

Carlos “The Matador” Mortensen, born on April 13th, 1972, in Madrid, Spain, is a prominent professional poker player with over $12 million in live tournament earnings. His most significant achievement came in April 2007 when he won the Fifth Annual Five Star World Poker Classic, earning $3,970,415.

Mortensen was acknowledged as one of the “Full Tilt Pros” and was a sponsored player by the now-defunct Full Tilt Poker. He captured his first World Poker Tour (WPT) title at the WPT Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship in 2004, winning $1,000,000. In 2007, he became the first player to win both the WSOP Main Event and the WPT World Championship.

Mortensen has also secured two WSOP bracelets, won at the 32nd WSOP in 2001 and the 34th WSOP in 2003, as well as a WSOP Ring at the WSOP Circuit event in Tunica in 2006.

Carlos Mortensen: Early Life

Carlos Mortensen was born on April 13, 1972, in Ambato, Ecuador. He moved to Spain as a child, where he later pursued his education at the University of Madrid. During this time, he worked as a bartender to support himself. His journey into the world of poker began in Madrid when he encountered a No-Limit Hold’em game and lost $100.

Determined to improve, he reflected on his mistakes and returned to the club the following day. Over the next five nights, he focused intensely on his game, quickly gaining expertise and success. This experience marked the beginning of his remarkable poker career, setting the stage for his eventual move to the United States in the late 1990s to further pursue his passion for the game.

Carlos Mortensen: Live Tournament Participation

Carlos Mortensen recorded his first live cash in December 1999, he entered a $200 + $20 Pot Limit Hold’em Holiday Bonus Tournament in Los Angeles, finishing in 6th place and earning $1,161.

Following this, in May 2001, Mortensen won the $10,000 Championship Event No Limit Hold’em at the 32nd World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, taking 1st place and cashing $1,500,000, along with a WSOP bracelet.

Moreover, he continued his success in October 2004 by winning the $10,000 + $200 Doyle Brunson North American No Limit Hold’em Poker Championship at the Festa al Lago III Tournament in Las Vegas, finishing in 1st place and cashing $1,000,000.

In April 2007, he achieved another milestone by winning the $25,000 + $500 WPT No Limit Hold’em Championship at the Fifth Annual Five Star World Poker Classic in Las Vegas, earning 1st place and cashing $3,970,415.

Subsequently, in February 2011, Mortensen finished in 3rd place at the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em Championship Event during the 2011 L.A. Poker Classic in Los Angeles, earning $640,680.

Then, in July 2013, he placed 10th in the $10,000 World Championship – No Limit Hold’em Event #62 at the 44th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, cashing $573,204.

Most recently, in July 2017, he participated in the $600 No Limit Hold’em SuperStack #107 at the Deepstack Extravaganza III in Las Vegas, finishing in 30th place and earning $1,650.

Conclusion

Carlos “The Matador” Mortensen is a poker legend with over $12 million in tournament earnings, renowned for winning both the WSOP Main Event and the WPT World Championship. With two WSOP bracelets, his journey from Ecuador to poker stardom showcases his exceptional skill and dedication. Mortensen’s enduring presence in the poker world exemplifies the pursuit of excellence, inspiring players everywhere.