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Maurice Hawkins
Maurice Hawkins is an American professional poker player and a living legend of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit. Known for his incredible longevity and dominance in regional tournaments, Hawkins currently holds the all-time record for the most WSOP Circuit rings in history. A fierce competitor with a background in college football and biology, he is as famous for his relentless “speech play” and table presence as he is for his technical ability to navigate massive fields.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings surpassing $6,921,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Hawkins is a titan of the American circuit. His career-best live score of $280,100 was achieved in the 2023 WSOP Main Event, where he finished in 35th place. Hawkins has started 2026 in historic form, capturing his 22nd and 23rd WSOP Circuit rings during a single stop at Tunica in January and February 2026. This feat extended his lead over rivals Ari Engel and Daniel Lowery in the all-time ring race. His immense consistency and high-volume grinding contribute to an estimated poker net worth of over $5 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | WSOP $10,000 Main Event (35th) | $280,100 |
| 2026 | WSOPC Tunica $400 Mini Main (1st – 22nd Ring) | $35,146 |
| 2026 | WSOPC Tunica $400 Double Stack (1st – 23rd Ring) | $10,473 |
| 2025 | WSOPC Baltimore $1,700 Main Event (1st – 18th Ring) | $140,752 |
Biography & Poker Background
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and now a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida , Hawkins was a standout athlete long before he found poker. He played college football as a nickelback at Alabama A&M University and graduated with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. Though he was on a path to medical school, he pivoted to poker after an injury ended his football career. Hawkins began his journey in the card rooms of South Florida, slowly building his bankroll through Sit-n-Gos. He is widely considered the “King of the Circuit,” specifically targeting mid-stakes tournaments where he believes his edge is greatest. Despite being a polarizing figure due to past controversies regarding backing disputes, Hawkins remains one of the most respected “end bosses” for his ability to win under pressure.
Play Style & Strategy
Hawkins is renowned for a “high-pressure, psychological, and exploitative” play style. He is a master of Speech Play, using constant table chatter to gather information and induce tilt in his opponents. Strategically, he is a proponent of a “low-variance approach,” often opting for small-ball tactics to navigate the massive fields typical of the WSOP Circuit. However, he is equally famous for his “disregard for chips” when he senses a technical weakness, willing to put his tournament life on the line at any moment. His approach is rooted in an extreme work ethic and a deep understanding of recreational player psychology, which he now teaches through his Transcend Poker coaching courses.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow the all-time ring leader as he chases ring #24 in 2026? You can find his profiles and stats here:
- Twitter (X): @mauricehawkins
- The Hendon Mob: Maurice Hawkins
- WSOP Player Profile
- Global Poker Index (GPI)
Video Highlights:
Derick Elomina is SoMuchPoker's Lead Content Writer and Interview Specialist, reporting live from WSOP bracelet events and Asia Pacific poker festivals such as TMT, APT, RDPT and APL Jeju, alongside player features and interviews for the site's Stories section. He discovered poker at 14 playing home games with friends, and by 21 he had entered the industry as a field reporter, starting as a hand reporter before building his current role on the tournament floor.
