The Bankruptcy Filing
Maurice Hawkins, a 24-time World Series of Poker Circuit gold ring winner with nearly $7 million in lifetime tournament earnings, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The filing was made through his attorney Michael A. Kaufman under Case 26-15116-EPK.
The Debt and Failed Agreement
Hawkins filed seeking to absolve himself from a six-figure poker debt owed to Randy Garcia. A final judgment against Hawkins issued by the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida was for $115,828. Just months prior, Hawkins had publicly agreed to a payment plan with Garcia, promising to pay $2,500 by the 30th of every month until $30,000 was repaid. However, after just a few months, Hawkins allegedly failed to uphold his side of the agreement.
Timing and Recent Success
The bankruptcy filing came less than three weeks after Hawkins won the WSOP Circuit Elgin Event #3: $400 NLH for $17,419 and his record 24th gold ring. Despite the filing, Hawkins had amassed $217,254 in 2026 tournament earnings and was coming off his best two years career-wise with $741,937 in 2024 earnings and $853,068 in 2025 earnings. In early 2026, he won the Gulf Coast Poker Beau Rivage Heater Event #6 for $80,944 and the WSOPC Tunica Event #2 for $35,146.
Garnishment and Legal Response
The bankruptcy filing followed a garnishment attempt by Garcia's legal team. Last week, PokerNews learned that Hawkins cashed a tournament in Tunica but was unable to collect his winnings due to a garnishment. The following day, he filed for bankruptcy. Attorney Rogen Chhabra, who filed the garnishment with Garcia, confirmed the bankruptcy filing could serve as a speedbump in Garcia's collection efforts, though there remains a chance to challenge it by proving Hawkins is fraudulently taking advantage of the system rather than being genuinely bankrupt.
Creditors and Assets Listed
According to the bankruptcy filing, Hawkins lists his rented residence as Wellington, Florida, with debts primarily consisting of consumer debts. The filing contained a list of two dozen creditors including Boca Raton Pawn Shop, Nordstrom, several finance companies, and Randy Garcia. Hawkins estimated his assets between $500,001-$1,000,000 and his liabilities between $100,001-$500,000.
Social Media Activity Amid Filing
The bankruptcy filing comes while Hawkins has been boasting on social media about his winning ways and poker prowess, even challenging professional player Shaun Deeb to a $100,000 bet. He posted messages about winning every trip, claiming to have more disposable income than regular income, and declaring 2026 would be his biggest year. In February, he shared winning his 23rd WSOPC gold ring and securing a $10,000 Main Event seat to the 2026 WSOP. 
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