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The King of the Circuit: Maurice Hawkins Extends Lead with Record 22nd WSOP Ring
- Maurice Hawkins captures 22nd WSOPC gold ring, setting a new record.
- Victory came in the $400 Mini Main Event at Horseshoe Tunica.
- Hawkins is a polarizing figure but remains unrivaled in WSOPC success.
In the world of the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC), there is Maurice Hawkins, and then there is everyone else. On Tuesday, the poker veteran solidified his legacy as the most decorated player in the tour's history, capturing his record-extending 22nd gold ring at the Horseshoe Tunica.
The victory came in the $400 Mini Main Event, a tournament that featured a $150,000 guarantee but ultimately swelled to a $206,250 prize pool. For Hawkins, the win was worth $35,146 and further distanced him from his closest rivals, Ari Engel (20 rings) and Dan Lowery (19 rings). After the win, Hawkins took to social media to celebrate his dominance, stating on X:
The winner of the Tunica Mini Main. Is your boy, for ring number 22. Like I said, printing money is what [I] do.
The Path to Victory: Dominating the Magnolia State
Hawkins’ journey to his 22nd ring was marked by the relentless aggression and confidence that have become his trademarks. He entered the final table as a formidable threat, but the path wasn't without its challenges. Early in the series, Hawkins narrowly missed the milestone in Event #1: $400 Double Stack Opener, where he finished in fourth place.
However, in the Mini Main, he refused to let the opportunity slip away. The final table featured a gauntlet of regional talent, but it eventually boiled down to a heavyweight heads-up clash between Hawkins and Cody Stanford.
Stanford, a respected pro with more than half a dozen rings of his own, proved to be a stubborn opponent. Despite the resistance, Hawkins’ momentum was undeniable. He dismantled Stanford’s defense to secure the title, marking his third career win specifically at the Tunica stop.
A Legacy of Consistency and Controversy
This victory marks Hawkins' first ring of 2026, coming just five months after he picked up back-to-back wins in New Orleans. While his stats are undeniable, boasting nearly $3.2 million in career WSOPC earnings, his journey hasn't been without friction.
Hawkins remains a polarizing figure in the community, having faced public disputes with former backers and even a physical altercation at a table late last year.
Despite the outside noise, his performance on the felt remains peerless. With six of his 22 rings coming in Main Events, Hawkins has proven he can close out the tour's most prestigious structures. As it stands, Ari Engel will now need two victories just to pull even with "The Hawk," who shows no signs of slowing down.
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