Maurice Hawkins clinches 19th World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit Ring, yet the poker community remains subdued.
Uncensored Rebuttal:
"(Expletive) can't catch a break: Hawkins' poker triumph marred by financial Melodrama"
Maurice "The Boss" Hawkins, a notorious low-to-mid-stakes tournament poker player, struck it rich again, securing his 19th WSOP Circuit ring at the Horseshoe Tunica's $400 No-Limit Hold'em Monster Stack event. But his on-table triumph has been overshadowed by a money mess off the felt with his former backer, Randy Garcia.
A Sucker's Game?
It's jolly good news that Hawkins is back on top, but it's a damn shame he seems to keep finding himself embroiled in financial kerfuffles. This bloke is known for his aggressive, unapologetic attitude, and his questionable reputation within the poker community when it comes to borrowing coin is as solid as a rock.
Cash Called for
The controversy began when Garcia agreed to cover 50% of Hawkins' poker action in 2017. Things started out smooth, but before the 2017 WSOP, Hawkins professed to losing his poker roll to blackjack. Garcia had mercy on him and offered to back him for the WSOP, but there were later squabbles about what was owed and what wasn't. In the end, the courts ordered Hawkins to cough up $115,828.34 to Garcia in 2019.
Hawkins was livid that Garcia spilled the beans on their financials and insisted they were dealing with things privately.
Chasing Debts
Speaking of spilled beans, Garcia stirred up the pot once more this week. In a tweet, he claimed Hawkins still owed him and referred to Hawkins as a "pathological liar and a deadbeat." Garcia shared a screenshot of a message he received from Hawkins from March 2025, where Hawkins said he'd pay him but needed 30 days before doing so.
Garcia alleged Hawkins agreed to pay him $30,000 before the 2024 WSOP, but the interviewer, Kiero Loves You, refused to release the interview. Garcia is working with a new lawyer to get every penny from Hawkins.
It seems as though Hawkins hasn't been in touch since that message in March.
Denise Pratt, another victim of Hawkins' financial mismanagement, vented on social media in 2020, calling Hawkins the "worst thing for poker ever." She warned others who might cross paths with him to "walk away" if they saw him coming.
[1] The provided enrichment data indicates that the court ordered Hawkins to pay Garcia $115,828.34 in 2019, but it seems unclear whether the payment has been settled or if Garcia is still pursuing action to recover the debt.
- Despite his poker victories, Maurice "The Boss" Hawkins' fame is overshadowed by the financial miscommunications with his backer, Randy Garcia.
- In 2017, Garcia agreed to cover 50% of Hawkins' poker action, but disagreements arose over what was owed, leading to a court order for Hawkins to pay $115,828.34 to Garcia in 2019.
- Garcia recently accused Hawkins of being a pathological liar and a deadbeat, claiming Hawkins still owes him money and sharing a message from Hawkins promising to pay but needing 30 days.
- Hawkins' former associate, Denise Pratt, has also accused him of financial mismanagement in the past, warning others to be wary of him.
- The current status of the money owed to Garcia by Hawkins remains unclear, as it is unknown whether the debt has been settled or if further legal action is being pursued.
- The ongoing financial drama involving Hawkins highlights the importance of responsible gambling and management of financial affairs, especially in the casino-gambling and casino-games scene, including lotteries, sports betting, and poker.
- It's worth noting that various casino-personalities often encounter issues related to money management and gambling-trends, making it necessary for the community to be aware and promote responsible gambling practices.
