Martin Sotona

Martin Sotona is a multifaceted Czech professional who has made his mark both in the world of poker and in academia. Hailing from Svitavy, he is a seasoned poker player with a notable live tournament victory, while also serving as a Senior Economics Teacher at PORG and a Lecturer at Palacký University in Olomouc. His career reflects a unique blend of analytical rigor from his background in auditing and education, applied to the strategic challenges of poker.

Sotona holds a Master of Arts in Information Management from the Prague University of Economics and Business, a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration from the Central European Management Institute, and a Master of Arts in English Language and Linguistics from Charles University. He is also a candidate for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English Philology at Palacký University. His diverse academic background underpins his analytical approach to both his professional and poker endeavors.

Before entering the poker scene, Sotona built a successful career in the public sector. He worked at the Supreme Audit Office of the Czech Republic for 11 years, starting as an auditor and eventually becoming the Head of the Unit responsible for auditing all EU Funds in the Czech Republic. He then transitioned to education, taking on a role as Senior Economics Teacher at PORG in Prague in 2020, and later becoming a Lecturer at Palacký University in 2024. His teaching experience includes courses in Business Management at the University of Economics.

The pinnacle of Sotona's poker career came in March 2011 when he won the Czech Poker Tour (ČPT) main event at Card Casino Prague. The tournament attracted a record 326 players and a prize pool of 1,515,900 CZK. Sotona defeated Poland's Marcin Grzybowski in heads-up play, securing the title and the top prize of 350,000 CZK. According to the POKERživě database, his total live tournament earnings exceed 12,640 EUR. While his live tournament appearances are limited, this victory stands as a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.

Outside of poker and work, Sotona enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and sightseeing. He is also an avid reader, both for knowledge and pleasure. His diverse interests reflect a well-rounded personality that extends beyond the poker table.

Martin Sotona is an example of a balanced life, successfully merging a demanding career in education and public service with a competitive edge in poker. His ČPT victory remains a highlight of Czech poker history, inspiring local players to pursue excellence both on and off the felt.