After years of success on the World Series of Poker Circuit and earning millions in winnings, professional poker player Maurice Hawkins has filed for bankruptcy.
The news has left many players and fans wondering what happened and why.
Before the bankruptcy filing, a legal dispute over a $100,000 debt had entangled Hawkins.
A Sudden Bankruptcy Filing
According to court records in Florida, Hawkins declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy on April 23.
He submitted the papers to the court through his attorney, Michael A. Kaufman, requesting that his debts owed to fellow pro-rider Randy Garcia and others be waived.
Chapter 7 is usually referred to as a clean slate and clears most unsecured debts within 3 months.
However, when people file for Chapter 7, some of their assets may need to be liquidated in order to make payments to creditors.
The good news is that many individuals are able to retain their property due to various legal exemptions.
Many have questioned Hawkins' timing of his bankruptcy filing since it is only 3 weeks after he won a second WSOP Circuit ring and had accrued more money on top of an already successful tournament record.
Maurice Hawkins Bankruptcy Document
Debt Deal Falls Apart
Garcia and Hawkins are in disagreement over a court ruling ordering Hawkins to pay $115,000. The two have just agreed to settle the situation.
According to the agreement, Hawkins was supposed to pay Garcia $2,500 a month until he settled the full amount of $30,000.
Garcia agreed to this payment plan, which greatly reduced his burden for the immediate future.
The reports indicate that Hawkins stopped making payments shortly after starting the payment plan.
Garcia is now suing to collect $30,000 that he claims he is owed.
His attorney, Rogen Chhabra, filed what’s called a garnishment order, which lets him take funds directly from any winnings Hawkins has.
Chhabra's filing has had an immediate outcome.
Recently, at a tournament stop in Tunica, Hawkins reportedly had an event where he cashed out but was then unable to collect his prize because of the garnishment.
The following day, Hawkins filed for bankruptcy protection.
According to Chhabra, the bankruptcy filing has slowed the process, but it does not end the case.
If Garcia's attorneys are able to prove that Hawkins has the money but is trying to escape his obligations by declaring bankruptcy, they will be able to challenge the bankruptcy claim.
Big Wins and Bold Claims
Hawkins has experienced a tremendous amount of success this year playing tournaments and has made over $200,000 at tournaments in 2026 alone, according to The Hendon Mob.
Hawkins earned two of his largest sums of money within the past two years, $741,000 in 2025 and $850,000 in 2024, pushing his lifetime tournament earnings close to $7 million.
To begin 2026, Hawkins started exceptionally, combining to win $80,000 in an event that he chopped at the Beau Rivage and winning a WSOP Circuit event in Tunica.
Hawkins has also turned to social media to brag about his success, claiming he has won on every trip and suggesting his disposable income exceeds most people's total income.
Recently he challenged high-stakes player Shaun Deeb to a $100,000 bet.
Hey @shaundeeb , you going around . Saying you could pass my ring count in one year and you want to bet 100k. Trying to diminish people is all you do . Well I got the people to put the 100k. Let’s find out if you all GAS.
— EatingOnAllStages (@mauricehawkins) March 21, 2026
These public statements and actions have even raised more questions regarding Hawkins' financial situation.
What the Filing Reveals
The bankruptcy filings give further insight into Hawkins' financial situation.
His current residence is in Wellington, FL, where he rents his apartment, and he owes most of his current debts primarily from shopping expenses.
Assets are currently estimated to be between $500,000 and $1,000,000, whereas the liabilities are estimated at $100,000-$500,000.
He lists nearly 2 dozen creditors in bankruptcy filings, including stores, finance companies, and Garcia.
If the bankruptcy is approved, Hawkins will not have to pay a large portion of what he owes, including the judgement related to Garcia.
If creditors lose their challenge, they will also lose the possibility of recovery.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is used to eliminate debt through liquidating and/or selling off your assets, while Chapter 11 bankruptcy is used to reorganize your debts and repay them over a period of time.
Based on this information, it appears that Hawkins' decision to use chapter 7 bankruptcy is the fastest way for him to eliminate his debt obligations.
Poker Community Reaction
A lot of poker fans don't understand how a player who just won a lot of money and has made millions of dollars could file for bankruptcy while still playing and sharing with confidence online.
@kushdream79:
@mauricehawkins Mairice Hawkins has always been, and will always be, a straight up grifter. This clown thinks he can take advantage of the system to eliminate his debt to Randy Garcia, but will likely face charges of fraud in doing so. Watch.
— Zombie (@kushdream79) April 27, 2026
@cluckn4kicks:
WSOP needs to ban him. As a community we can’t let him get away with this shit anymore.
— Ryan Koss (@cluckn4kicks) April 27, 2026
Anyone backing him still is part of the problem
@skirtchaser42:
If it wasn’t for rebuy tournaments this piece of garbage wouldn’t make it past the bubble. If he is ever at a cash table buy in as quickly as possible !
— Skirtchaser (@skirtchaser42) April 28, 2026
@taylorfromlbc:
8-9 months and half paid and texts back. In the poker world he’s practically a gdam Lannister. Give him a medal 🏅
— Taylor (@taylorfromlbc) April 27, 2026
Bluffaces
