Mateo is widely acknowledged for his phenomenal rise to success in the world of international chess. Born in Santo Domingo in 1958, he pursued his passion for chess from an early age. Despite facing numerous challenges and adversity, Mateo quickly ascended the ranks and demonstrated his exceptional skills and proficiency in the game.
He clinched the national title 8 times, and in 1988, he was qualified as an International Master. The year 2008 brought him one of the most significant honors as he was bestowed with the title of Grandmaster by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), making him the first chess player from his country to achieve this honor.
Apart from his contributions as a competitive chess player, Mateo is also recognized for his contributions to chess coaching. He served as a chess coach in the Dominican Republic, where he has played a key role in nurturing and fostering young talent. His dedication towards chess is not only limited to playing and coaching but also extends to promoting and advocating for the game across various media outlets. Unsurprisingly, he is considered one of the most influential personalities in the chess world in the Dominican Republic and beyond.