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Maurice Hawkins is enjoying one of the most productive stretches of his career while simultaneously working through a personal Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Speaking with PokerNews at the Borgata Summer Poker Open, Hawkins discussed both his recent tournament success and the ongoing legal proceedings.
The interview came shortly after Hawkins extended his own record for most WSOP Circuit rings, claiming his 26th title at the Choctaw Mini Main Event. He topped a 400-entry field, defeating Brian Green heads-up, with 2026 WSOP Main Event standout Will Givens finishing third.
Since May 1, Hawkins has accumulated $844,061 in live tournament earnings. His summer highlights include a runner-up finish in a $600 WSOP bracelet event for $135,864 and a fourth-place result in the $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship worth $432,875, his career-best cash.
Hawkins downplayed the significance of bracelets in defining his success, saying he focuses on playing well regardless of the event or season. He noted that his strong WSOP results directly contributed to his later deep runs, describing his year as one accomplishment building on another.
On the legal side, Hawkins filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in April in the Southern District of Florida, addressing debts including a judgment held by fellow player Randy Garcia exceeding $115,000. Hawkins had agreed to repay $30,000 in installments, but Garcia alleged the payments stopped before the bankruptcy filing paused collection efforts.
Hawkins expects discharge within roughly 60 days, though he anticipates facing an additional legal challenge from Garcia. He described the outcome as ultimately clearing his financial slate while he continues competing at stops like the Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship, where he currently holds a top-ten stack.
