Poker Player Maurice Hawkins Seeks Bankruptcy Protection

(AsiaGameHub) –   Prominent poker player Maurice Hawkins has filed for bankruptcy, a move some interpret as an effort to discharge an outstanding debt related to poker.

Maurice Hawkins Filed for Liquidation Bankruptcy

Last week, Maurice Hawkins submitted a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. Hawkins, a poker professional with approximately $7 million in career tournament earnings and 24 WSOP Circuit gold rings, filed through his attorney, Michael Kaufman.

In his filing, Hawkins stated that his assets, including his rented Florida residence, are valued between $500,000 and $1 million. He estimated his total liabilities to be between $100,000 and $500,000.

This filing occurs several months after Hawkins agreed to a repayment plan with Randy Garcia. Hawkins owed Garcia a six-figure sum and had agreed to pay $2,500 monthly until the $30,000 debt was settled. The original debt to Garcia was $115,828, making this arrangement appear favorable. However, reports indicate that Hawkins ceased making payments after only a few months.

This cessation of payments led Garcia to pursue legal action.

Garcia and His Allies Rejected the Bankruptcy Claims

The bankruptcy filing could potentially shield Hawkins from future wage garnishment. This follows a recent instance where garnishment prevented Hawkins from collecting tournament winnings.

Attorney Roger Chhabra, who initiated the garnishment, informed PokerNews that the bankruptcy filing might eliminate Hawkins’ poker-related debt, as liquidation bankruptcy typically discharges unsecured debts, including those stemming from poker. Chhabra indicated that he and Garcia intend to contest the filing by demonstrating that Hawkins is not genuinely bankrupt but is instead attempting to manipulate the legal system.

For context, Hawkins has been vocal about his recent successes. He recently won $17,419 by finishing first in WSOP Circuit Elgin Event #3 and publicly challenged Shaun Deeb to a $100,000 wager.

Statistics also indicate that Hawkins secured six-figure winnings from poker tournaments in both 2024 and 2025. He has also boasted about his successful tournament record on social media, expressing his intent to continue winning.