Poker Pro Maurice Hawkins Files for Bankruptcy
Maurice Hawkinsa 24-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit gold ring winner with practically $7 million in lifetime event earnings in accordance with The Hendon Mob, has filed for chapter in search of, partially, to absolve himself from a six-figure poker debt due to Randy Garcia.
According to a Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (Case 26-15116-EPK) obtained by PokerNews, Hawkins, by his lawyer Michael A. Kaufman, filed for Chapter 7 chapter on Thursday, April 23, within the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.
The submitting got here lower than three weeks after Hawkins gained the WSOP Circuit Elgin Event #3: $400 NLH for $17,419 and his file twenty fourth ring, and regardless of Hawkins having already amassed $217,254 in 2026 event earnings according to The Hendon Mob. He’s additionally coming off the very best two years of his poker profession when it comes to outcomes ($741,937 in event earnings in 2025 and $853,068 in 2024).
It additionally comes simply months after Hawkins publicly agreed to a cope with Randy Garcia wherein he agreed to pay $2,500 by the thirtieth of each month till $30,000 was repaid, which was apparently a great deal for Hawkins as the ultimate judgment towards him issued by the Circuit Court of the fifteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida (Case No. 502019CA000052XXXXMB) was for $115,828.
Garcia reportedly agreed, however after only a few months, Hawkins has allegedly didn’t stay as much as his aspect of the discount. Now, Garcia is taking authorized steps to gather.
Last week, PokerNews discovered from an on-site supply in Tunica that Hawkins gained a event however was allegedly shocked to be taught that he can be unable to gather because of a garnishment. The following day, Hawkins filed for chapter, a tactic that may very well be used to bypass future garnishment and keep away from accountability.
This was confirmed by lawyer Rogen Chhabrawho filed the garnishment along with Garcia.
Chhabra was just lately a visitor on the PokerNews Podcast to debate the scenario, which you’ll watch under:
As Chhabra shared, whereas the chapter submitting is a speedbump in Garcia’s efforts to gather and will in the end result in discharge, there’s nonetheless an opportunity for them to combat it by displaying Hawkins just isn’t really bankrupt, however as a substitute fraudulently profiting from the system.
Same Old Hawkins?
The chapter submitting comes at a time when Hawkins has been busy boasting on social media about his successful methods and poker prowess, even going as far as to problem Shaun Deeb to a $100,000 wager.
“I win every trip I go on, check my hendon. I have more disposable income, than your regular income. I live rent free in your mind,” Hawkins wrote. He additionally added, “All, I’ve to say is ‘Happy New Year.’ This will Be my Biggest 12 months. It’s nothing your phrases, posts and in poor health intent towards me. “Can do about it.”
Another factor he mentioned on social media was, “Some people talk, and then some people do. Let’s eat 2026….. Plus 80k HIGH Hater. This is for those I told, I would make the salary in one week. This one is for you.”
Hawkins acquired off to a powerful begin in 2026, chopping the Gulf Coast Poker Beau Rivage Heater Event #6: $500 Triple Stack NLH for $80,944, after which every week later successful the WSOPC Tunica Event #2: $400 Mini Main for $35,146.
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, although many individuals keep all assets through exemptions.”
That is against Chapter 11, which is a reorganization that permits companies or people to maintain belongings, proceed working, and restructure debt by a court-approved plan.
According to the submitting, Hawkins lists his rented residence as Wellington, Florida, and that his money owed primarily encompass client money owed. When requested how a lot his estimated belongings are value, Hawkins ticked the field indicating between $500,0001-$1,000,000. As for how a lot he estimated his liabilities to be, he ticked between $100,001-$500,000.
The submitting additionally contained a listing of two dozen collectors, together with Boca Raton Pawn Shop, Nordstrom, a number of finance corporations, and the aforementioned Randy Garcia.
If profitable, Hawkins can be acquitted of paying the judgment towards him, regardless that it is apparently been a great 12 months for Hawkins. Back in February, Hawkins shared on social media that, after successful his twenty third WSOPC gold ring, he gained a $10,000 Main Event seat to this summer season’s 2026 WSOP for ending as Casino Champ, and was “going to Disney with the kids.”
PokerNews will proceed to observe this story and supply updates if and once they occur.
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