Poker Writer
All-time World Series of Poker Circuit ring leader Maurice Hawkins won his No. 22 in Tunica at the ongoing circuit stop, extending his lead to two over second-place Ari Engel.
The 45-year-old won the opening event in Tunica, the Mini Main Event for $35,146, defeating William Stanford heads up to start 2026 off with a bang.
The always boisterous Hawkins celebrated his win late at night on X after capturing the ring:
The winner of the Tunica Mini Main. Is your boy , for ring number 22. Like I said , printing money is what do .#Hawksview
The reaction to this post differed in tone from the majority of his social media interactions, which are usually negative due to past backer controversies, including a recent spat with Denise Pratt. There were more positive comments about his victory than usual. Still, a few negative reactions persisted.
This is Hawkins’ third ring from Tunica, winning his previous two in 2019 and April of last year. He also has a runner-up in Tunica from 2024. The stop typically features some of the smallest fields on the circuit, making it a target for the ring-chasing crowd.
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Maurice Hawkins Career Circuit Rings By Stop
- Cherokee – 4
- Tunica – 3
- Council Bluffs – 3
- Palm Beach Kennel Club – 3
- New Orleans – 3
- Atlantic City – 1
- Choctaw – 1
- Southern Indiana – 1
- Caesars Palace – 1
- Baltimore – 1
- Pompano Beach – 1
Maurice Hawkins Now Two Rings Clear of Competition
After briefly giving up the ring lead to Engel, Hawkins moved back ahead after winning rings No. 20 and No. 21 at WSOPC New Orleans in the span of just a few days in August.
Engel, meanwhile, won his most recent ring last year in September in Council Bluffs. Dan Lowery has been the third player in the ring chase the last few years. He added his 19th ring in Lake Tahoe in October to stay within striking distance of the top two.
