Key Takeaways:
- Maurice Hawkins became the first poker player in history to win 20 World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) rings.
- He secured this record-breaking victory in the $600 Pot-Limit Omaha event at Caesars New Orleans, a win that resonates deeply with us here at PLO365.
- The win breaks the long-standing tie with his closest rival, Ari Engel, who holds 19 rings.
- Despite his undeniable success, Hawkins remains a polarizing figure due to a history of financial controversies and disputes.
Maurice Hawkins has done it. He has officially become the first player in poker history to capture 20 World Series of Poker Circuit rings, a milestone that many grinders only dream of. And for us, the PLO fanatics, the story gets even better: he clinched this historic victory in a $600 Pot-Limit Omaha event.
This isn’t just another tournament win; it’s a monumental achievement that cements his status as a legend of the circuit grind. But, as with many things in the poker world, the story isn’t that simple. Hawkins is a complicated figure. His incredible talent on the felt is matched only by the controversy that follows him off it. So, let’s break down the win, what it means for the poker world, and the complicated legacy of the circuit’s most decorated player.
The Record-Breaking Win: How It Happened
The stage was set at the WSOP Circuit stop at Caesars New Orleans in late August 2025. The event was the $600 Pot Limit Omaha, a tournament that naturally draws out players who understand the beautiful complexity of our favorite four-card game. The event attracted a field of 106 entrants, creating a prize pool of $54,590.
Hawkins navigated the field to reach a final table that included another serious ring contender, Daniel Lowery, who was chasing his 19th ring. After Lowery’s exit in 8th place, Hawkins battled his way to a heads-up match against Thai Cao.
In the end, Hawkins emerged victorious, claiming the $14,548 first-place prize and, more importantly, his 20th gold ring
Here’s a look at the final table results:
Why This 20th Ring Matters (A Lot)
For years, the race for the most WSOPC rings has been a two-man show between Hawkins and Ari Engel. With this win, Hawkins has definitively broken the tie, leaving Engel behind at 19 rings and setting a new benchmark for excellence on the circuit.
To put it in perspective, winning one circuit ring is a massive accomplishment. Winning twenty is a testament to a level of consistency and dedication that is almost unheard of in tournament poker.
For you, the aspiring player grinding it out at the micro or low stakes, this is a lesson in persistence. Hawkins is a fixture on the circuit, constantly playing and putting in the volume. His success, which includes over $6.4 million in live tournament earnings, wasn’t built overnight.
It was built through thousands of hours at the table. In fact, just days after this historic win, he won his 21st ring, further extending his record and proving his relentless drive.
The Controversy: You Can’t Ignore the Noise
A Complicated Figure: While Hawkins’s skill is undeniable, it’s impossible to discuss his career without acknowledging the controversies. This is part of our commitment at PLO365 to give you the full, transparent picture.
Hawkins is one of poker’s most polarizing figures for a reason. His career has been marked by several alleged high-profile disputes, primarily concerning financial agreements with backers. Some examples:
- The Randy Garcia Lawsuit: In 2019, a Florida court ordered Hawkins to pay backer Randy Garcia $115,828 after Garcia sued him for failing to pay out his share of winnings from a staking deal.
- Public Disputes: More recently, in 2025, he was publicly confronted by another backer, Denise Pratt, over an alleged unpaid debt of $11,200.
- Tournament Error: During a 2025 WSOPC Main Event in Maryland, a significant error occurred where the third-place finisher was eliminated despite holding the winning hand against Hawkins, who was incorrectly awarded the pot and went on to win the tournament.
These incidents have created a deep divide in the community’s perception of him. For those who want to go deeper down the rabbit hole on this, the poker community has covered it extensively. This video provides some alleged information:
Conclusion: A Complicated Legacy
So, what do we make of Maurice Hawkins? On one hand, he is arguably the greatest WSOP Circuit player of all time. His record of 21 rings speaks for itself. He possesses a remarkable ability to consistently close out tournaments.
On the other hand, his legacy is permanently complicated by the off-the-felt issues. The repeated financial disputes have damaged his reputation and overshadowed his achievements in the eyes of many.
For us at PLO365, the takeaway is clear. We celebrate the skill, the grind, and the historic achievement of winning a major title in Pot-Limit Omaha. At the same time, we recognize that a successful poker career is built on more than just results. It’s built on integrity, professionalism, and trust. Learn from his dedication on the felt, but also learn from the cautionary tales off it. Build your own path in poker the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As of late August 2025, Maurice Hawkins holds the all-time record with 21 WSOP Circuit rings. He won his historic 20th and 21st rings in the same month.
He won the $600 Pot-Limit Omaha event at the WSOP Circuit stop in New Orleans for his 20th ring.
Ari Engel holds the second-most rings with 19.
He won $14,548 for his first-place finish in the PLO event.
The main controversies involve multiple financial disputes with backers, including a court judgment ordering him to pay over $115,000 to one backer, and a high-profile tournament error where he was incorrectly awarded a pot.
A WSOP Circuit ring is a prestigious trophy awarded to the winner of a WSOPC tournament event. It is considered a major accomplishment in poker, symbolizing success and consistency on the domestic and international poker circuit.
As a PLO enthusiast with nearly 12 years of experience, I’m passionate about breaking down the complexities of Pot Limit Omaha, helping you sharpen your strategy and grow your bankroll – no matter your current level. I also share exclusive bonus and rakeback deals, along with discounts on poker courses and tools, so you can get an extra edge. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me online, playing PLO cash games and turbo MTTs.
