WSOPC earnings near $3.2 million as circuit king widens gap over Ari Engel
TUNICA, Miss.
Maurice Hawkins has created further separation at the top of the World Series of Poker Circuit leaderboard. The longtime grinder secured his 22nd career gold ring on Tuesday, taking down the $400 No-Limit Hold’em Mini Main Event at Horseshoe Tunica.
Hawkins navigated the field in the $150,000 guaranteed tournament to bank $35,146. The victory is significant for the history books: it pushes him two titles clear of his closest rival, Ari Engel, and three ahead of Dan Lowery.
It also reinforces his position as the tour's all-time money leader. With this latest score, Hawkins’ career earnings on the circuit are approaching the $3.2 million mark.
The Race for the Record
The battle for the all-time ring count has been volatile over the last few years, with Hawkins and Engel trading the lead repeatedly. Engel had overtaken Hawkins in late 2023 and held the top spot through the early months of 2025.
Hawkins tied the record at 18 wins in March 2025. While Engel briefly retook the lead with an online win later that month, Hawkins responded by adding additional titles in the months that followed. He captured back-to-back rings at Harrah’s New Orleans in August (Numbers 20 and 21) before Engel secured his 20th ring in September.
Tuesday’s win in Tunica is Hawkins' first title of 2026.
Venue Success
Tunica has proven to be a reliable stop for Hawkins. This victory marks his third ring at the Horseshoe Tunica property, tying his win count at both Harrah’s New Orleans and the Palm Beach Kennel Club. His most successful venue remains Harrah’s Cherokee, where he has booked four wins.
Beyond the volume of wins, Hawkins holds a strong record in major tournaments. Six of his 22 career rings have come in Main Events.
Controversy Off the Felt
Despite his historic production at the table, Hawkins remains a polarizing figure. He has faced public allegations from former backers regarding failed to honor past backing agreements in the past. More recently, he was the victim of a physical altercation at a poker table in late 2025, an incident that added to the off-the-table headlines surrounding his career.
Hawkins’ Recent Circuit Timeline
- Jan. 2026: Horseshoe Tunica, Mini Main Event ($35,146)
- Aug. 2025: Harrah’s New Orleans, $600 PLO ($14,548)
- Aug. 2025: Harrah’s New Orleans, $400 NLH ($12,996)
- April 2025: Horseshoe Tunica, Monster Stack ($34,711)
- March 2025: Horseshoe Baltimore, Main Event ($140,752)
