Ewa Mataya Laurance - Part 1 (The Striking Viking: Ewa Mataya Laurance’s Leap of Faith)
In this first chapter of our four-part life-story series, we welcome one of the most captivating figures ever to pick up a cue: Pool Hall of Famer Ewa Mataya Laurance—the iconic “Striking Viking.” From her earliest days in Sweden, Ewa takes us back to a childhood defined by energy, independence, and a love of sport. She was a goalkeeper in soccer, a force on the basketball court, and—by her own admission—a “control freak” who quickly realized team sports couldn’t match her appetite for precision, responsibility, and self-determination.
Then came the moment that changed everything: a curious teenage visit to a local pool hall. What began as tagging along because of a crush soon turned into genuine fascination—especially after someone explained why the best players chose certain shots and patterns in straight pool. That doorway into the chess-like strategy of cue sports lit a fire in Ewa that never went out.
Ewa shares vivid memories of Sweden’s vibrant club scene—Sunday tournaments that were equal parts competition and community, packed Jack-and-Jill events, and long bus trips to challenge rival clubs across the country. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her early understanding of pattern play and the hunger to “open the next door” of knowledge in a game with endless layers.
But the heart of Part 1 is the boldest decision of all: at just 17 years old, after competing in New York City at the World Championship in the storied Roosevelt Hotel, Ewa falls headlong into the electric world of American pool—legends, late nights, and possibilities she’d only seen in magazine pages. Then she makes the call that stunned her parents: she isn’t coming home… at least not yet.
This is where the legend truly begins.
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Music by Lyrium.
About
"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”
Pool Professional
Ewa is the current International and World Cup Trick Shot Champion, the holder of multiple World and U.S. Open 9-Ball titles and has also won the Swedish, European and U.S. National Championships in her incredible career. In 2012, she won the prestigious ESPN Masters Championship, a major on the Classic Tour. A former # 1 ranked player in the world, Ewa has received Player of the Year honors, been named WPBA Sportsperson of the Year, in 2004 was inducted into the prestigious Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame, and is also a member of the Women’s Professional Billiards Hall of Fame.
This dynamic champion made a historic appearance on the cover of The New York Times magazine and has been featured in numerous national publications including People magazine, Sports Illustrated, Forbes and Glamour magazine. Ewa is also a frequent guest on television shows such as Late Night with David Letterman, The Today Show, LIVE with Kelly and Michael, Entertainment Tonight and The Best Damned Sports Show, Period.
When not competing, Ewa serves as the ESPN Color Commentator, and she also co-hosted GSN’s popular game show “Ball Breakers.” She is the author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Pool & Billiards” and writes a monthly column for Pool & Billiard magazine. In addition to performing trick shot shows around the world, Ewa also operates the APA Leagues in Myrtle Beach, Wilmington and Brunswick County in South Carolina. On tour, Ewa is sponsored by Brunswick Billiards.