Ewa Mataya Laurance Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ewa Mataya Laurance is a Swedish-American billiards champion, author, and sports commentator credited with elevating women’s pool worldwide.

From world-class championships to broadcast booths, she built a storied career — and with it an estimated net worth that reflects decades of success.

Introduction

Born on February 26, 1964, Ewa Mataya Laurance — often known simply as Ewa Laurance — emerged from her native Gävle, Sweden to become one of the most iconic names in professional pool. Over a career spanning competitive glory, media presence, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has amassed an estimated net worth of around US$2 million.  Her birthday, February 26, remains a celebrated date among fans and within the billiards community — an occasion tied to a long legacy of skill, showmanship, and influence.

While she once married fellow pool pro Jimmy Mataya, she later found lasting partnership with actor and commentator Mitch Laurance. Their shared life and work have helped cement her status as a global ambassador for the sport.

Quick Facts

The Making of a Pool Legend

Ewa’s journey from a Swedish youngster to a global billiards icon reads like a sports saga. Born in Gävle, she first picked up a cue at an early age and quickly showed promise. By her teenage years she had already begun honing her skills with a seriousness that set her apart.

Driven by ambition and talent, she moved to the United States in 1981 — a bold leap that opened the door to professional competition.  Within two years she made history, becoming the first European woman to win a U.S. professional pool event when she claimed victory at the 1983 Clyde Childress 9-Ball Open.

Defining moments in Ewa Mataya Laurance’s journey include:

• Winning her first major U.S. pool title in 1983, breaking European ground in the American pro circuit.

• Capturing the prestigious 1994 WPA World Nine-Ball Championship, crowning her as a world champion.

• Earning induction into the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame in 2004 — cementing her legacy among pool’s immortals.

Her rise was not just about trophies — but transforming perceptions of women in billiards, and raising the sport’s profile globally.

The Core Pillars of Ewa Mataya Laurance’s Wealth

The financial foundation underpinning Ewa’s net worth is built on multiple, interwoven endeavors:

• Tournament Winnings & Championship Success — Prize money from major titles such as the WPA World Nine-Ball Championship and numerous WPBA tournaments.

• Media & Commentary Roles — Long-term work as a color commentator with broadcasters like ESPN, elevating her presence and income beyond the pool table.

• Books & Educational Materials — Authoring instructional guides such as The Ewa Mataya Pool Guide, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pool & Billiards, and Quick-Start Guide to Pocket Billiards.

• Endorsements & Sponsorships — Partnerships with pool brands (e.g., Brunswick Billiards) and media campaigns that leveraged her reputation and visibility.

These converging revenue streams, while modest compared with mega-celebrity athletes, reflect a diversified and sustainable career — contributing to her estimated net worth of around US$ 2 million.

Relationships & Personal Life Behind the Spotlight

Ewa’s personal life has seen meaningful relationships that intersect with — and sometimes redefine — her professional journey.

Her first marriage, in 1982, was to fellow pool professional Jimmy Mataya. Together they had a daughter named Nikki (born 1985). Their union was once celebrated as one of pool’s earliest “power couples.”  However, the marriage ended in divorce, though she retained the name “Mataya” professionally — under which she had already gained considerable acclaim.

In 1994, she married actor and commentator Mitch Laurance, with whom she has maintained both personal and professional partnership. Their shared work as commentators for ESPN tournaments has merged their careers — a rare and enduring collaboration in the billiards world.

Key insights into Ewa Mataya Laurance’s relationships and personal life:

• Her early marriage to Jimmy Mataya linked two prominent pool careers, and produced a daughter, Nikki.

• Her later marriage to Mitch Laurance formed a long-term bond that blended personal life with media work in sports commentary.

• She preserved her professional identity post-divorce, keeping the name under which she built her fame. 

Life Off the Table: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Ewa Mataya Laurance leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion for billiards and broader personal interests:

• Trick-Shot Exhibitions & Global Tours — Even after stepping back from full-time competition, Ewa continues to give trick-shot shows and exhibitions worldwide, keeping her craft alive and engaging fans. 

• Pool Education & League Management — Alongside her husband, she has operated chapters of the American Poolplayers Association (APA) in South Carolina, fostering grassroots participation in pool.

• Writing & Mentorship — Through her books and past magazine columns, she has helped beginners and enthusiasts learn the game, contributing to billiards education globally.

• Media & Broadcasting Life — Her commentary roles have kept her connected to the evolving pool scene while offering a stable platform beyond competition. 

Though specific details about homes, cars, or investments remain private — as is often the case for sports professionals outside top-tier celebrity scale — her continued engagement in billiards through media, education, and community leagues suggests a lifestyle deeply rooted in the game she loves.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Estimating the wealth of someone like Ewa Laurance — whose earnings come from varied sources over decades — requires looking at multiple streams. Below is a breakdown:

This breakdown underscores that Ewa's net worth is not due to a single windfall but sustained, diversified income — typical of athletes who transition to media, instruction, and entrepreneurship.

Legacy, Influence & Public Image

Ewa Mataya Laurance’s legacy in the world of billiards extends far beyond her titles. She is often credited with:

• Bringing mainstream attention to women’s pool, especially at a time when female players were underrepresented. Her early championship wins and media-friendly persona helped shift public perception. 

• Bridging sport and entertainment. With nicknames like “The Striking Viking” or “Leading Lady of Billiards,” she blended athleticism with charisma — making pool more accessible to a broader audience.

• Mentoring future generations through her instructional books, magazine columns, and work with the APA. Her educational efforts lowered the barrier to entry, inviting newcomers into the sport. 

• Transforming careers beyond competition. Her transition to broadcasting, commentary, and league management illustrated a viable path for athletes seeking longevity beyond their playing years.

Her influence resonates with both seasoned players and newcomers. In many ways, she helped shape modern women’s pool — not only by winning but by amplifying its visibility, professional opportunities, and legitimacy.

Final Thoughts

Ewa Mataya Laurance’s story is one of talent, ambition, and reinvention. Born on February 26, 1964, she transformed a lifelong passion for pool into a multi-faceted career — as champion, entertainer, educator, and ambassador.

With an estimated net worth of around US$ 2 million, her success is a testament not just to victories, but to versatility: winning championships, writing books, commentating on major broadcasts, and nurturing the next generation of players.

Her birthday remains a symbol for fans and the billiards community — a reminder of the woman who helped redefine what pool could look like, especially for women. Whether behind the cue or the microphone, Ewa Laurance continues to inspire with dedication, grace, and enduring love for the game.