Welcome to this exclusive interview with Monica Vaka, also known as WakaWaka, a prominent figure in the world of live and online gaming. Monica, at 33 years old, hails from the picturesque west coast of Norway, where she resides with her fiancé and two beautiful children. Excitingly, Monica is about to embark on a new chapter in her life as she and her family prepare to move to Spain from August, aiming to experience a different climate and embrace the thrill of trying something new. Join us as we delve into Monica’s gaming journey, her passion for exploration, and the exciting adventures that lie ahead.
How did you become interested in playing live poker, and what motivated you to pursue it?
I started playing poker in 2009. My fiancé introduced me to the game. I started playing in underground clubs in Norway, since poker was illegal. Read a lot of books to get into the game faster. I have always loved playing games, such as video games, board games and card games. I became very fascinated about poker, because of all the different elements like strategy, math and psychology.
What has been your most memorable victory or biggest win in a live poker tournament, and what did it mean to you?
My biggest win in a live poker tournament was winning the Heads up Championship in Norway in 2022 for 12k dollar. Not my biggest win, but the title, being the first woman in Norway to win an open event at the national championship with buy-in and it was all shown on one of the biggest Norwegian TV channels. That moment I will never forget! The people and friends cheering for me, the atmosphere in the final and after! Still get goosebumps when I think about it!
My 2 biggest scores has come online, the 2021 IPF Main Event for €98,000 and the GG Champion for $59,000 less than 2 weeks ago. I streamed both tournaments on twitch.
What role does travel play in your poker career, and how has it broadened your perspective on the game?
I traveled more before covid and after! Now becuse of kids and family I mostly play online on Unibet, Pokerstars and GG and stream for the twitch channel SpillehagenPoker. Hopefully I can play more live again after moving to Spain.
How do you balance competitive poker play and enjoying the cultural experiences and attractions of the destinations you visit?
I don’t balance it much. My focus is poker, exercise and if I’m in a warm area I try to relax by the pool if I have the chance. If I get some free time, I might try to find some good restaurants in the area.
Can you share any stories of overcoming adversity or setbacks in your poker journey and how they have shaped you as a player?
When I started playing more online after I had my first child in 2017. It was very difficult and I found out pretty quickly that I need to spend more time studying if I want to be a winning player.
Have you ever encountered cultural or language barriers while playing poker in foreign countries, and how did you navigate them?
Yes! In Cannes in France! The players and the dealer only speak French, so I just have to look at the chips and try to navigate from there. After a while I understand some words.
Can you share any favorite moments or interactions with fellow poker players from different countries during your travels?
I’ve traveled and played poker in many destinations, but the destination isn’t always what I’m after! I often choose the tournament series. So the Unibet Open and The Norwigian Championship abroad are my favorites! Always nice people coming, fantastic atmosphere and great tournaments schedule with buy-ins low to high! Something for everyone!
Are there any specific strategies or techniques you use to leverage your strengths as a woman in the game?
No, not really. I don’t make decisions based on the fact that I’m a woman, I make decisions based on what I think is right in the situation I’m in. I will make decisions and change my bet size pattern based on where other players see me at the table. I categorize the other players and pay close attention and think about what category they put me in. If I can use this to my advantage, I can play the player more than I play the cards in some situations.
What steps do you take to continuously improve your skills and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving poker landscape?
I study a lot! I love learning new things, getting better and finding my leaks. I use solvers to work with, try to find patterns and learn them, but I also think it’s good to watch poker courses in between. Discussing with friends and other players is very instructive, as many think differently whether they are pro or amateur, I value hearing both versions and think I can learn something from everyone. You will always meet many different players, and then it is important to be able to balance this.
What advice would you give to aspiring poker players who dream of combining their love for the game with travel and exploration?
Don’t gamble with money you can’t afford to lose. Have bankroll management and learn this so you don’t go broke before you even start. Poker is not easy, everyone makes mistakes, but when you do, remember them and learn from them! If you’re traveling and playing live, think about your mindset, what puts you in the right frame of mind? For me, it is important to get enough sleep and exercise to keep my head in the right place and prepared for a long day around the table.
We wish Monica Vaka all the best in her future endeavors and eagerly await the exciting stories that will undoubtedly unfold as she explores new horizons. May her journey be filled with joy, success, and countless unforgettable experiences.
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