Maurice Hawkins

Maurice Hawkins, born on February 2nd, 1980, is an African-American poker player originally from St. Louis, Missouri, now residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His total live earnings amount to $5,756,700, with his best live cash being $280,100. A notable career highlight includes his 35th place finish in the $10,000 No Limit Hold’em – WSOP Main Event (Bracelet Event 76) at the 54th World Series of Poker – WSOP 2023 in Las Vegas, where he earned $280,100.

Maurice Hawkins: Early Life

Hawkins earned a football scholarship to Alabama A&M University but later transferred to Bethune-Cookman University in Florida. His football career came to an abrupt end when he sustained a hamstring injury while chasing a gunman in the dormitories.

Confined to crutches, Maurice found himself frustrated and restless. To break the monotony, he began visiting a local casino where he discovered poker—a game his father had introduced him to years earlier. He started with Omaha Sit and Go’s and practiced online at Oasis Poker games.

While online poker could have eased his situation, Florida’s restrictions on online gambling prevented that. Despite this setback, Hawkins found success as poker grew in popularity. He honed his skills and transitioned to Texas Hold ’em tournaments.

Maurice Hawkins: Poker Achievements

He debuted on January 5th, 2005, at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure – PCA 2005 in Paradise Island, Bahamas, finishing 69th in the WPT Main Event – No Limit Hold’em and earning $11,600.

On December 8th, 2008, during the WSOP Circuit – WSOPC Atlantic City in Atlantic City, United States, he clinched 1st place in the $560 No Limit Hold’em event, securing $48,360.

Continuing his success, on June 13th, 2009, in Las Vegas, United States, he dominated the $550 No Limit Hold’em event at the 2009 Deep Stack Extravaganza III, taking home $67,091.

At the 45th World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, United States, on May 31st, 2014, he placed 9th in the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Millionaire Maker (Event #8), earning $128,150.

Further Tournament Success

During the World Poker Tour (WPT) Borgata Poker Open in Atlantic City, United States, on September 20th, 2015, he secured 4th place in the $3,500 No Limit Hold’em WPT Borgata Championship Main Event (Event #18), winning $220,258.

In his most recent notable performance on January 4th, 2024, at The Beau Rivage Heater Poker Tournament in Biloxi, United States, he earned 3rd place in the $400 No Limit Hold’em (Event 1), taking home $98,947.

Continuing his streak, on February 22nd, 2024, at the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) North Carolina at Cherokee, United States, he finished 3rd in the $1,700 No Limit Hold’em Main Event (Ring Event #12), earning $178,870.

His latest appearance was on June 15th, 2024, during the 2024 WSOP PokerNews Daily Deepstacks in Las Vegas, United States, where he placed 8th in the $250 No Limit Hold’em – 1pm event, earning $2,289.

Controversies Surrounding Maurice Hawkins

In 2018, Maurice Hawkins was involved in a highly publicized incident during a poker game with Sorin Lovin, an Italian player. While seated at the same table, Lovin’s friends approached and pointed at Hawkins, leading Hawkins to react sharply. In response, Lovin used a racial slur against Hawkins, intensifying the conflict. Hawkins criticized the WSOP for what he saw as a failure to address the issue adequately. Eventually, WSOP disqualified Lovin from the tournament, sparking significant debate within the poker community.

Maurice Hawkins: Beyond the Poker Table

Outside of poker competitions, Maurice Hawkins reveals a different side of himself. He cherishes his relationships and holds a deep affection for his family and friends. Beyond poker, Hawkins is also an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoys watching and playing sports like football and basketball, which contrast sharply with the strategic intensity of poker.