Ilias Mantikos was born and raised in Rhodes island. By the age of 12 he began to study the kanun. He has taken masterclasses by outstanding greek and turkish musicians such as Pantelis Anastasopoulos, Apostolos Tsardakas, Halil Karaduman, Goksel Baktagir, Ahmet Meter and others. He has competed in a variety of music contests, winning the 1st prize four times. By the age of 18 he earned his diploma in byzantine music. In 2013 he graduated from the “Department of Folk and Traditional Music”, based in Arta.

He is performing in several concerts in Greece and abroad, since 2005.

In 2020 he completed the recordings of his first personal music album, comprising instrumental compositions, written by him. This album is entitled "Smoking table".

Today he lives in Athens, where he performs as a musician in concerts and discography, as well as teaches in local music schools.