Santiago Nadal

Santiago Sanpri Nadal began his journey in the poker world as a dealer at Casino Life in Mexico City. Working behind the tables gave him a unique perspective on the game, allowing him to study the strategies and behaviors of experienced players. After his shifts, he would practice in small local tournaments, gradually transitioning from dealer to player. Between 2015 and 2017, he made a name for himself in the Mexican circuit, winning local events with prizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. One of his notable early successes was a third-place finish in the Gran Torneo Nacional de Póker 2016 in Guadalajara, earning $17,350. His aggressive yet calculated style began to attract attention from veteran players and organizers.

Nadal's first international cash came in 2018 at the Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) in Lima, Peru, where he finished 14th for $9,420. He soon expanded his reach to major global series. In 2016, he won his first major title at the Wynn Summer Classic, taking down a $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em event for $150,000 after defeating a final table that included Antoine Saout and Jamie Kerstetter.

His breakout performance came in 2024 at the PokerStars EPT Barcelona, where he finished runner-up in the €1,100 Estrellas Poker Tour Main Event, earning a career-best €394,526 (approximately $441,630). That same year, he achieved another deep run at the Wynn Summer Classic, again finishing runner-up for $418,999. These results propelled him to 4th place on Mexico's all-time money list.

Nadal has also cashed multiple times at the World Series of Poker, including a 278th-place finish in the 2013 WSOP Main Event for $37,019, a 10th-place in a 2010 $1,500 event for $29,795, and a 521st-place in the 2021 Main Event for $23,900. In 2026, he became the first Latin American to win multiple titles at the Wynn Summer Classic, claiming two $1,100 NLH Turbo events: one on May 28 for $34,320 and another on June 5 for $21,160.

Known by the nickname "Sanpri," Nadal is described as an aggressive but disciplined player. His background as a dealer honed his ability to read opponents and manage table dynamics. He excels in deep-stack tournament play but has also shown adaptability in turbo formats, as evidenced by his 2026 Wynn wins. Nadal is comfortable in high-pressure situations, often making calculated moves to accumulate chips during the middle and late stages of events.

In recent years, he has maintained a busy schedule, alternating between WSOP events at Horseshoe & Paris Las Vegas and the Wynn Summer Classic. In 2025, he cashed in multiple small-field events, including a 10th-place in the $2,200 Eureka High Roller at EPT Cyprus for $29,870. He continues to target major tournaments, with the 2026 Wynn Summer Championship ($10,400 buy-in, $10 million guarantee) on his calendar.

Santiago Nadal has become a role model for aspiring Mexican poker players, proving that dedication and a solid work ethic can lead to international success. His journey from dealer to top-tier tournament professional exemplifies the opportunities within the game. As one of Mexico's most successful players, he has inspired a new generation to pursue poker seriously. With over $2.66 million in live earnings and a reputation for consistency, Nadal's legacy continues to grow as he competes at the highest levels.

In 2026, Santiago Nadal made history at the Wynn Summer Classic by becoming the first Latin American to win multiple titles in a single summer series. He first triumphed on May 28 in a $1,100 No-Limit Hold'em Turbo event, defeating a field of 128 entries to earn $34,320. Just eight days later, on June 5, he won the same event again, taking home $21,160 after a three-way deal in a 105-player field. These victories added to his previous Wynn title from 2016, giving him three career Wynn Summer Classic trophies.

As of 2026, Santiago Nadal sits 4th on Mexico's all-time money list with live earnings exceeding $2.6 million. His best live cash of $441,630 came from the 2024 Estrellas Main Event runner-up. In the Global Poker Index, he is ranked 1,361st worldwide. He also holds a Twitter presence under the handle @Nadal08, where he shares updates on his tournament results and poker journey. His first WSOP cash was in 2010, placing 10th in a $1,500 event for $29,795, and his most notable Main Event performance was 278th in 2013 for $37,019.