The 24-time World Series of Poker Circuit ring winner Maurice Hawkins has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on April 23 in Florida, a move that could wipe out a significant portion of his debts, including a six-figure dispute tied to fellow player Randy Garcia, who was a former backer for Hawkins.
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Poker backers, or investors, pay for a player’s tournament entry fees or cash game bankroll in exchange for a percentage of winnings, typically 50%. If the player wins, the backer is paid back their initial investment first, and the remaining profit is split. If the player loses, the backer assumes the loss, according to Upswing Poker.
According to court filings, Hawkins, who has racked up nearly $7 million in lifetime tournament earnings, claims assets between $500,000 and $1 million, while listing liabilities ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The filing came just days after he reportedly encountered issues collecting tournament winnings due to a garnishment tied to the ongoing debt battle.
Hawkins has been on a hot streak, pulling in over $200,000 in tournament earnings already in 2026 and coming off back-to-back strong years in 2024 and 2025. Just weeks before filing, he captured another WSOP Circuit title, adding to his already record-setting ring count.
At the center of the controversy is a debt stemming from a court judgment in Florida. He had agreed to settle a 2019 judgment against him for $115,828. Hawkins had previously agreed to a reduced repayment plan — $2,500 per month toward $30,000 — but sources say payments stopped after only a few months. Creditors are pushing back against what they claim could be an attempt to sidestep repayment.
Under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, unsecured debts (like credit cards or personal loans) can be discharged, offering what’s often called a “fresh start.” But that relief isn’t automatic. Creditors can challenge the filing, especially if they believe the debtor has the means to pay or is acting in bad faith.
Yet Hawkins has continued to boast on social media about his winnings and even floated a $100,000 bet challenge.
In a recent appearance on the PokerNews Podcast, Hawkins sat down for a tense, unfiltered interview addressing the controversy surrounding his recent bankruptcy filing. What unfolded was a heated back-and-forth.
At one point, the exchange got heated, with one of the hosts telling him: “No, you’re a bad person because you don’t pay back your debts and you try to squirm your way out of owing people money. No, you have not. Stop. I’m not letting you talk over me anymore,” before adding, “Maurice. Maurice, you owe people money. Period. On the dot. You’re not paying them. You want to squirm and wiggle your way like a worm out of all these debts.”
Hawkins pushed back. “I think that um there’s a gross misunderstanding about me, my life, my past, and pretty much everything to do with me,” he said. “But it’s getting out of hand. It’s really getting out of hand… it’s getting to the point where it’s kind of hurtful.”
The poker pro insisted he has made efforts to repay what he owes, particularly in his ongoing dispute with Garcia. “I at no point did I ever just not want to pay this guy back. At no point did I ever try not to,” Hawkins said.
Still, the hosts pressed him on missed deadlines and court judgments. When confronted about failing to meet a payment agreement, Hawkins admitted, “I couldn’t pay it,” but argued that circumstances were to blame.
He also rejected accusations that his actions amount to fraud. “I haven’t scammed anybody,” Hawkins said. “I got behind on some payments… Where is the scam?”
He added: “I have six kids and I have a life and I have a family and maybe I spend money here and there… but that does not make me a scammer.”
