After two days of relative calm at the 2023 World Series of Poker, the crowds have come out for Day 1C of the Main Event. With both the Horseshoe Events Center and Ballroom packed to capacity with players, the Paris Ballroom saw its first Main Event action of the week as new registrants spilled over into the sister property.
Over in that small (but growing) subsection of players were some big-time names including Justin Bonomo, Stephen Chidwick, and a very unassuming Ian Matakis who is peacefully grinding the early levels of the Main Event.
“The Main Event is special,” Matakis said. “It’s quite exciting. Especially since it’s only my third one.”
Matakis, the 25-year-old online pro from Minnesota turned this summer’s superstar may not yet have the name recognition of a Bonomo or Chidwick, but with each passing day, more and more people are discovering what he’s capable of on the felt. So far this summer, Matakis has cashed 17 times in the Series including a bracelet win in the $500 NLHE Bankroll Builder (Online Event #2) for $120,686. Add to that a couple of near misses in some incredibly tough fields: a ninth-place finish in the $50,000 Pot Limit Omaha for $199,275 and a seventh-place finish in the $5,000 NLHE for $114,210 and it’s safe to say players and peers are taking notice.
All of that success adds up to more than $650,000 in earnings and, potentially just as important, a healthy lead in the 2023 WSOP Player of the Year race. Both of which a deep run in the Main Event can only enhance.
“Pressure? No. Excitement? Absolutely,” Matakis said, referring to if the POY race would affect how he treated the Main Event. “Every tournament counts towards [the Player of the Year race] but I’m just coming here to play tournament and whatever happens…happens.”
After spending just a moment with him it’s clear that Matakis isn’t taking playing in his third Main Event for granted. Even after a summer of battling day in and day out against some of the biggest names in the game, Matakis doesn’t have a been-there-done-that attitude to the Main Event. That extends to how he’s planning to attack the field.
“I would say there’s definitely a different approach depending on who’s at your table. Right now there are some good pros on my table so treat it how you would treat some other tournaments. Also, there are a couple recreationals as well so you gotta play differently depending on who you’re playing against I would say. With this tournament especially since you start so deep.”
No matter what happens in the Main Event, Matakis admits it’s been a bit of a dream summer for him. But the pro hasn’t gotten ahead of himself and, while thankful, may not yet be satisfied.
“I’ve had a lot of bittersweet finishes I would say. I did win a bracelet, so I can’t complain too much. I’m having a 1% summer…so definitely can’t complain. But as far as Player of the Year, if I win it that would be amazing, and if I don’t I’m not going to be upset. I’ve had a great summer.”