Maurice Hawkins, who is the all-time WSOP Circuit rings leader with 24, has filed for bankruptcy.
According to a Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (Case 26-15116-EPK), which was recovered by PokerNews earlier this week, Hawkins filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Thursday, April 23, through his attorney, Michael A. Kaufman. This took place at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Maurice Hawkins vs. Randy Garcia
Though Maurice Hawkins has roughly $7 million in career live tournament earnings and is one of the most talented poker players in the world, he has an unfortunate reputation for doing whatever it takes to get out of paying his debts.
Hawkins is also known for gambling large sums of money in the casino for several hours, leading many to believe that he’s giving back most of his winnings to the casinos.
Hawkins has a long-standing debt with North Carolina restaurateur Randy Garcia, whom he’s only paid back about $6,000 of a $115,828.34 court-ordered debt. Though the two parties publicly agreed to a deal where Hawkins would pay just $2,500 over 12 months ($30,000 total), Hawkins still hasn’t paid.
According to PokerNews, Hawkins was at the WSOP Circuit stop in Tunica, Mississippi, and couldn’t collect his winnings due to a garnishment. Attorney and poker player Rogen Chhabra set up the garnishment so Garcia could collect.
The very next day, Hawkins filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. While this is certainly a stall tactic, it only takes a few months to complete the process. Garcia and Chhabra will fight this, accusing Hawkins of fraudulently taking advantage of the Chapter 7 system and of not actually being bankrupt.
What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
According to the IRS, “Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or liquidation bankruptcy, is a legal process that erases most unsecured debts (such as credit cards and medical bills) within 3-6 months, providing a ‘fresh start’.
“A court-appointed trustee may sell non-exempt assets to pay creditors, though many individuals keep all assets through exemptions.”
However, unless Maurice Hawkins owns anything of meaningful value, he may not be liquidating much. Common exemptions in Chapter 7 bankruptcy include a portion of equity in a home, a vehicle, personal belongings (including clothing, furniture, and anything considered necessary), tools of trade, and retirement funds.
This is in stark contrast to Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is an extremely slow process that takes years and is a much more complex procedure. Instead of liquidating assets to wipe out debt, those who file for Chapter 11 reorganize their lives and repay their debts over time.
Essentially, Chapter 7 is much better for those with low incomes who own very little in the way of assets.
Maurice Hawkins case specifics
Maurice Hawkins, who filed under Maurice Eric Hawkins in the Southern District of Florida, claimed on his legal documents that his assets are worth an estimated $500,001-$1,000,000. He also claimed that his liabilities are between $100,001 and $500,000.
Even more noteworthy: Maurice Hawkins owes money to more than two dozen parties, though we aren’t able to look up every party. However, we know that his long list of creditors is mostly consumer debt, which includes multiple finance companies, the IRS, a pawn shop, Randy Garcia, and more.
Maurice Hawkins’ stellar 2026
We’re only a third of the way through 2026, and Maurice Hawkins has enjoyed some measurable success. Known as one of the biggest WSOP Circuit grinders, Hawkins already has 31 cashes for nearly $220,000 to his name this year.
He started the year by chopping the 1,196-entry $500 Beau Rivage Heater Triple Stack event for nearly $81,000, as well as picking up three WSOP Circuit rings to take his total to 24. This includes the $400 WSOPC Tunica Mini Main for $35,146.
Hawkins has also had stellar years in 2024 and 2025, cashing for a combined $1.6 million and beating his previous personal best for most cashes in a single year.
With all the numbers flying around, it wouldn’t seem that Hawkins
Maurice Hawkins shockingly goes on PokerNews Podcast
While most people would keep to themselves and let the legal process play out, Maurice Hawkins joined Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz in a 40-minute interview in an attempt to explain himself. Hawkins only agreed to go on the podcast with the stipulation that nothing would be edited out.
Hawkins started off the show by explaining why he decided to come on.
“I think there’s a gross misunderstanding about me, my life, my past, and pretty much everything to do with me. Normally, I don’t care, and I let people just talk, but it’s getting out of hand. It’s getting to the point where it’s getting kind of hurtful, and people are just piling on.”
In the episode, Hawkins attempted to explain why his financial situation is what it is without actually touching on specifics. He also said he paid Randy Garcia the two agreed-upon payments of $2,500 each, which were due by the 30th of each month. Hawkins admitted to paying a week late and being shocked by a garnishment.
Throughout the interview, Hawkins paints himself as a poker legend with a complicated financial situation, while the hosts hit back, claiming that his sob story is disingenuous.
It’s a fascinating watch, with several additional pieces of brand-new information coming out, including him owing Cody Stanford “substantial makeup.”
