Monika Zukowicz

Monika Zukowicz
Name Monika Agnieszka "HeyMonia" Zukowicz
Nickname HeyMonia
Nationality Polish
Socials
Streams on
World Series of Poker
Type

Monika Agnieszka Zukowicz, known as HeyMonia, is a Polish professional poker player, streamer, and vlogger based in Vienna, Austria. She currently boasts total live earnings of $181.1K, with a highest live cash of $32.1K. Zukowicz dedicates her time to growing both her Twitch and YouTube channels under the handle HeyMonia, amassing a substantial following of more than 23.1K subscribers on YouTube and 1.97K followers on Twitch. Over the years, Zukowicz has been actively promoting poker as an ambassador for reputable gaming brands such as Betsafe Poker, partypoker Team pro Online, and ACR Team Pro.

Beyond the tables, Monika holds a master’s degree in pharmacy, where she is engaged in the study of Pharmaceutical Science and Analytical Chemistry.

Monika Agnieszka Zukowicz: Early Life

Monika Agnieszka Zukowicz was born and raised in Poland. Since poker was not permitted in her homeland, she flew to Vienna, Austria, and currently resides there. Zukowicz has also travelled extensively and lived on the island of Malta, while cashing in tournaments as far afield as Ireland, Cambodia, and the Bahamas.

She began playing poker at the age of 19 shortly before university, where she studied pharmaceutical science and later, analytical chemistry. Zukowicz has always aspired to be a scientist and, with the help and inspiration of a friend who also played online, she decided to take a gap year after graduation to give poker a try before moving to Canada to pursue her Ph.D. Fast forward to November 2022, Zukowicz joined the Americas Cardroom team in as part of ACR Team Pro.

Monika Agnieszka Zukowicz’s Poker Career

Monika Agnieszka Zukowicz initiated her live poker tournament journey in January 2013 at the DPT IX in Rozvadov, participating in the €66 No Limit Hold’em event. Securing a commendable 5th place finish, she earned a cash prize of $664. In June 2018, at the 49th WSOP in Las Vegas, Zukowicz competed in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Monster Stack, securing the 61st position and pocketing $15,785.

The pinnacle of Zukowicz’s poker career, as of February 1st, 2023, came at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in Nassau. In the $550 No Limit Hold’em Mystery Bounty event, she not only clinched 1st place but also seized the title and a substantial cash prize of $32,180. 

HeyMonia wins PokerStars Caribbean Adventure $550 No Limit Hold’em Mystery Bounty for $32,180

Consistent Tournament Triumphs in Zukowicz’s 2023 Journey

Just eleven days later, on February 12th, 2023, she secured the 5th place in the $2,200 No Limit Hold’em High Roller at the WSOP Circuit in Florida, Pompano Beach, earning $14,784.

Zukowicz’s global poker ventures continued in March 2023, participating in the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Vietnam, Hoi An. Competing in the $10,000 + $10,000 No Limit Hold’em 8-Max Mystery Bounty event, she claimed 27th spot and added $17,900 to her winnings. 

Subsequently, on March 19th, 2023, at the WPT Prime in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, she secured a 4th place finish in the $3,000 No Limit Hold ’em High Roller, earning a cash prize of $24,553.

Closing the year 2023 with her most recent live tournament participation, Zukowicz took part in the WSOP in Paradise Island in December. Competing in the $1,400 + $200 + $600 No Limit Hold’em event, she secured 51st place and walked away with a cash prize of $3,600. 

Conclusion

Despite holding a master’s degree in pharmacy, Monika Agnieszka Zukowicz made a deliberate choice to deviate from her pharmaceutical studies and pursue an unconventional path as a professional poker player, driven by her passion for the game. Zukowicz not only excels as a skilled player but also serves as a notable ambassador for esteemed gaming brands, showcasing a unique blend of academic background and enthusiasm for the dynamic world of poker.

Her journey in live poker tournaments is marked by notable accomplishments, including a significant 1st place victory at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, where she secured the title and a substantial cash prize. Zukowicz’s success extends to prestigious events such as the WSOP in Las Vegas and the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Vietnam. As she continues to make a considerable impact on the global poker stage, Zukowicz’s impressive performances solidify her position as a formidable presence in the poker community, leaving a lasting impression with her strategic acumen and unwavering determination.