Maurice Hawkins did it again. And at this point, it’s no longer just about winning: it’s about leaving an ever-deeper mark on the history of the WSOP Circuit. This weekend, on the outskirts of Chicago, the American conquered the US$400 Double Stack event and added his 24° ring of the series, further extending a record that already belongs to him with absolute authority.
The prize money was just over US$17.000, but the figure that really carries weight is another: 24. With this new jewel, Hawkins moved four titles ahead of Ari Engel and Daniel Lowery, both with 20, in a race that seems to have him as the master and commander. Behind them also appear Mike Setera with 17 and Josh Reichard with 16, although today everyone is watching from afar.
Ari Engel Is The One Closest To Maurice In The Ring Race.
The impressive thing is that this new impact comes just weeks after winning his 23° ring in February, when he celebrated with an image inspired by Michael Jordan. This time there was no tribute to Kobe Bryant or any other legend of the number 24, but Hawkins didn’t miss the opportunity to boast on social media. “This is not a streak. It’s not luck. This is what domination looks like,” he wrote, in one of those messages that mix total confidence with fuel for controversy.
Because of course, Hawkins doesn’t just win: he also divides opinion. His post ignited heavy-hitting responses. Dan “Jungleman” Cates crossed him harshly, reminding him of old controversies regarding off-table debts. Shaun Deeb, for his part, also joined the verbal shootout from Europe and even challenged him to prove himself in tougher settings on the other side of the Atlantic.
But if Hawkins has proven anything, it’s that he seems to thrive when questioned. The more noise there is around him, the more comfortable he feels in the center of the ring. They love him, they criticize him, they debate him. And meanwhile, he keeps winning.
