Maurice Hawkins, a 24-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit gold ring winner with nearly $7 million in lifetime tournament earnings according to The Hendon Mob, has filed for bankruptcy seeking, in part, to absolve himself from a six-figure poker debt due to Randy Garcia.
According to a Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (Case 26-15116-EPK) obtained by PokerNews, Hawkins, through his attorney Michael A. Kaufman, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Thursday, April 23, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.
The filing came less than three weeks after Hawkins won the WSOP Circuit Elgin Event #3: $400 NLH for $17,419 and his record 24th ring, and despite Hawkins having already amassed $217,254 in 2026 tournament earnings according to The Hendon Mob. He’s also coming off the best two years of his poker career in terms of results ($741,937 in tournament earnings in 2025 and $853,068 in 2024).
It also comes just months after Hawkins publicly agreed to a deal with Randy Garcia in which he agreed to pay $2,500 by the 30th of every month until $30,000 was repaid, which was seemingly a good deal for Hawkins as the final judgment against him issued by the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida (Case No. 502019CA000052XXXXMB) was for $115,828.
Garcia reportedly agreed, but after just a few months, Hawkins has allegedly failed to live up to his side of the bargain. Now, Garcia is taking legal steps to collect.
Last week, PokerNews learned from a source on-site in Tunica that Hawkins cashed a tournament but was allegedly surprised to learn that he would be unable to collect due to a garnishment. The following day, Hawkins filed for bankruptcy, a tactic that could be used to bypass future garnishment and avoid accountability.
This was confirmed by attorney Rogen Chhabra, who filed the garnishment in conjunction with Garcia.
Chhabra was recently a guest on the PokerNews Podcast to discuss the situation, which you can watch below:
As Chhabra shared, while the bankruptcy filing is a speedbump in Garcia’s efforts to collect and could ultimately lead to discharge, there’s still a chance for them to fight it by showing Hawkins is not actually bankrupt, but instead fraudulently taking advantage of the system.
Same Old Hawkins?
The bankruptcy filing comes at a time when Hawkins has been busy boasting on social media about his winning ways and poker prowess, even going so far as to challenge Shaun Deeb to a $100,000 bet.
“I win every trip I go on, check my hendon. I have more disposable income, than your regular income. I live rent free in your mind,” Hawkins wrote. He aslo added, “All, I have to say is ‘Happy New Year.’ This will Be my Biggest year. It’s nothing your words, posts and ill intent against me. Can do about it.”
Another thing he said on social media was, “Some people talk, and then some people do. Let’s eat 2026….. Plus 80k HIGH Hater. This is for those I told, I would make the salary in one week. This one is for you.”
Hawkins got off to a strong start in 2026, chopping the Gulf Coast Poker Beau Rivage Heater Event #6: $500 Triple Stack NLH for $80,944, and then a week later winning the WSOPC Tunica Event #2: $400 Mini Main for $35,146.
According to the IRS: “Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or liquidation bankruptcy, is a legal process that erases most unsecured debts—such as credit cards and medical bills—within 3-6 months, providing a “fresh start”. A court-appointed trustee may sell non-exempt assets to pay creditors, though many individuals keep all assets through exemptions.”
That is opposed to Chapter 11, which is a reorganization that allows businesses or individuals to keep assets, continue operating, and restructure debt through a court-approved plan.
According to the filing, Hawkins lists his rented residence as Wellington, Florida, and that his debts primarily consist of consumer debts. When asked how much his estimated assets are worth, Hawkins ticked the box indicating between $500,0001-$1,000,000. As for how much he estimated his liabilities to be, he ticked between $100,001-$500,000.
The filing also contained a list of two dozen creditors, including Boca Raton Pawn Shop, Nordstrom, several finance companies, and the aforementioned Randy Garcia.
If successful, Hawkins would be absolved of paying the judgment against him, even though it’s seemingly been a good year for Hawkins. Back in February, Hawkins shared on social media that, after winning his 23rd WSOPC gold ring, he won a $10,000 Main Event seat to this summer’s 2026 WSOP for finishing as Casino Champ, and was “going to Disney with the kids.”
PokerNews will continue to monitor this story and provide updates if and when they happen.
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