Snooker Referee Malgorzata Kanieska Masters High-Pressure Dual Career
Malgorzata Kanieska, a referee at the World Snooker Championship, expertly balances her officiating duties with a demanding full-time role in the aerospace industry. This unique combination highlights her ability to thrive under pressure, both on the iconic baize of the Crucible Theatre and in the fast-paced environment of airline operations.
From Crucible Debut to Aviation Expertise
Kanieska made her debut at the 2025 World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, taking charge of a match at the prestigious Crucible venue for the first time. However, she will not be officiating at the 2026 tournament, which commences this weekend. Born in Warsaw, she first became involved in snooker back in 2010, yet she continues to maintain a regular job in Poland, where she oversees operational processes at an airport to ensure smooth logistics and efficiency.
In an interview with Framed: The Snooker Podcast last year, Kanieska explained the evolution of her career. "When I did my first professional event I was studying. Now I'm just working full-time and I take days off to go to tournaments, that's the biggest change," she said. Her dedication is evident as she uses all her days off for snooker events, emphasizing that it is not a holiday but a passion-driven commitment.
Juggling Snooker and Airline Responsibilities
Kanieska's daytime job involves optimising systems for Polish airlines, where she manages critical tasks to avoid delays, over-bookings, and other operational issues. "I work for Polish airlines, I optimise [systems] for the upcoming days," she noted. "There is a manager on duty but when you think about all the aircrafts coming in, [if] something happens you need to know how to make the network look the best, how to avoid delays, how to avoid over-bookings and how to find the best options for the flights to perform."
Her role includes significant authority, such as the power to cancel flights during industrial action, airport closures, or aircraft damage. Fortunately, she delegates passenger communications to colleagues, making the tough decisions slightly easier. "I can cancel flights," she added. "When there is industrial action, or airports can be closed, or aircrafts can be damaged, I have the power to cancel flights - luckily I do not contact passengers so that makes it easier."
Future Aspirations and Tournament Observations
While Kanieska will not be officiating at the 2026 World Snooker Championship, where fellow referee Rob Spencer has been appointed for the final on May 4, she plans to observe the tournament from the sidelines. Her goal is to return to the sport's most prestigious stage in future editions, leveraging her commanding presence and expertise.
Refereeing in snooker, though less scrutinized than in some other sports, requires intense focus and dedication. Kanieska's ability to manage high-stakes environments in both snooker and aviation underscores her resilience and skill. As she navigates her dual career, she remains a testament to the passion and discipline required to excel in multiple high-pressure fields.
