Maurice Hawkins, a 24-time World Collection of Poker (WSOP) Circuit gold ring winner with almost $7 million in lifetime match earnings in response to The Hendon Mob, has filed for chapter looking for, partially, to absolve himself from a six-figure poker debt as a result of Randy Garcia.
In response to a Voluntary Petition for People Submitting for Chapter (Case 26-15116-EPK) obtained by PokerNews, Hawkins, by means of his legal professional Michael A. Kaufman, filed for Chapter 7 chapter on Thursday, April 23, in the USA Chapter Courtroom for the Southern District of Florida.
The submitting got here lower than three weeks after Hawkins received the WSOP Circuit Elgin Occasion #3: $400 NLH for $17,419 and his file twenty fourth ring, and regardless of Hawkins having already amassed $217,254 in 2026 match earnings in response to The Hendon Mob. He’s additionally coming off the most effective two years of his poker profession when it comes to outcomes ($741,937 in match earnings in 2025 and $853,068 in 2024).
It additionally comes simply months after Hawkins publicly agreed to a take care of Randy Garcia during which he agreed to pay $2,500 by the thirtieth of each month till $30,000 was repaid, which was seemingly a great deal for Hawkins as the ultimate judgment towards him issued by the Circuit Courtroom of the fifteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Seashore County, Florida (Case No. 502019CA000052XXXXMB) was for $115,828.
Garcia reportedly agreed, however after just some months, Hawkins has allegedly didn’t reside as much as his aspect of the cut price. Now, Garcia is taking authorized steps to gather.
Final week, PokerNews discovered from a supply on-site in Tunica that Hawkins cashed a match however was allegedly shocked to study that he can be unable to gather as a result of a garnishment. The next day, Hawkins filed for chapter, a tactic that could possibly be used to bypass future garnishment and keep away from accountability.
This was confirmed by legal professional Rogen Chhabra, who filed the garnishment together with Garcia.
Chhabra was not too long ago a visitor on the PokerNews Podcast to debate the scenario, which you’ll be able to watch beneath:
As Chhabra shared, whereas the chapter submitting is a speedbump in Garcia’s efforts to gather and will finally result in discharge, there’s nonetheless an opportunity for them to struggle it by exhibiting Hawkins just isn’t really bankrupt, however as a substitute fraudulently making the most of the system.
Hawkins Says “I Will Pay Him Once I Can” After Backer Calls Him Out… Once more!
Identical Outdated Hawkins?
The chapter submitting comes at a time when Hawkins has been busy boasting on social media about his profitable methods and poker prowess, even going as far as to problem Shaun Deeb to a $100,000 wager.
“I win each journey I’m going on, test my hendon. I’ve extra disposable earnings, than your common earnings. I reside lease free in your thoughts,” Hawkins wrote. He aslo added, “All, I’ve to say is ‘Pleased New 12 months.’ This may Be my Largest yr. It’s nothing your phrases, posts and unwell intent towards me. Can do about it.”
One other factor he stated on social media was, “Some folks speak, after which some folks do. Let’s eat 2026….. Plus 80k HIGH Hater. That is for these I instructed, I’d make the wage in a single week. This one is for you.”
Hawkins received off to a powerful begin in 2026, chopping the Gulf Coast Poker Beau Rivage Heater Occasion #6: $500 Triple Stack NLH for $80,944, after which every week later profitable the WSOPC Tunica Occasion #2: $400 Mini Fundamental for $35,146.
In response to the IRS: “Chapter 7 chapter, or liquidation chapter, is a authorized course of that erases most unsecured money owed—corresponding to bank cards and medical payments—inside 3-6 months, offering a “contemporary begin”. A court-appointed trustee could promote non-exempt property to pay collectors, although many people hold all property by means of exemptions.”
That’s against Chapter 11, which is a reorganization that enables companies or people to maintain property, proceed working, and restructure debt by means of a court-approved plan.
In response to the submitting, Hawkins lists his rented residence as Wellington, Florida, and that his money owed primarily encompass client money owed. When requested how a lot his estimated property are price, Hawkins ticked the field indicating between $500,0001-$1,000,000. As for a way a lot he estimated his liabilities to be, he ticked between $100,001-$500,000.
The submitting additionally contained a listing of two dozen collectors, together with Boca Raton Pawn Store, Nordstrom, a number of finance corporations, and the aforementioned Randy Garcia.
If profitable, Hawkins can be absolved of paying the judgment towards him, though it’s seemingly been a great yr for Hawkins. Again in February, Hawkins shared on social media that, after profitable his twenty third WSOPC gold ring, he received a $10,000 Fundamental Occasion seat to this summer time’s 2026 WSOP for ending as On line casino Champ, and was “going to Disney with the children.”
PokerNews will proceed to observe this story and supply updates if and after they occur.
Chad Holloway
PR & Media Supervisor
