Maurice Hawkins Wins Record 26th WSOP Circuit Ring

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Mon Jul 27, 2026, 10:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Maurice Hawkins Wins Record 26th WSOP Circuit Ring

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Maurice Hawkins has strengthened his place atop the WSOP Circuit record book after another remarkable tournament victory.

The poker veteran outlasted a 400-entry field in the $1,100 Mini Main Event at Choctaw Durant. He collected $76,380 after defeating Brian Green heads-up, while also extending his all-time record to 26 WSOP Circuit gold rings.

Hawkins now sits six victories ahead of Ari Engel and Daniel Lowery, who each have 20 rings. His latest victory has quickly drawn coverage across US online poker sites and industry news outlets. Specifically,his dramatic recovery from just six big blinds during heads-up play caught everyone's attention.

Maurice Hawkins Navigates a Star-Studded Final Table

The final table featured an especially notable clash between two of the most successful players in Circuit history. Hawkins and Ari Engel both reached the final four, creating a rare showdown between players with a combined 46 rings.

Will Givens and Brian Green joined them in the final four, while the earlier stages featured several other accomplished competitors. Michael Stringer, Kamlesh Chauhan, and James Misenheimer were eliminated in ninth through seventh place, respectively. David Emmons then finished sixth for $13,490, followed by Almog Biton in fifth for $18,240.

Engel eventually fell in fourth place, leaving Hawkins, Givens, and Green to battle for the championship. Givens was the next player eliminated, earning $35,450 and setting up the final duel between Hawkins and Green.

Heads-Up: Maurice Hawkins vs. Brian Green

Green entered the heads-up battle with a genuine chance to stop Hawkins from adding another major achievement to his career. The match then appeared to swing decisively when Hawkins dropped to only six big blinds.

Instead of folding under the pressure, Hawkins mounted a dramatic recovery. He rebuilt his stack, regained momentum, and eventually turned the match in his favor. Green ultimately finished second for $50,900, while Hawkins claimed the $76,380 top prize.

"I've got the recipe, and I'm spreading it all over America," Hawkins told Jeremy Geist after the win. "I figured some things out about my game, about other people's games, and now I'm just applying it."

WSOPC Choctaw Mini Main Event Final Table Results

Place Player Country Winnings
1. Maurice Hawkins USA $76,380
2. Brian Green USA $50,900
3. Will Givens USA $35,450
4. Ari Engel USA $25,170
5. Almog Biton Israel $18,240
6. David Emmons USA $13,490
7. James Misenheimer USA $10,180
8. Kamlesh Chauhan India $7,860
9. Michael Stringer USA $6,190

Hawkins Continues an Extraordinary Career

The Choctaw victory adds another significant chapter to Hawkins' long career on the WSOP Circuit. He has built a substantial lead over the nearest players in the all-time standings, with Mike Setera next on 18 rings and Josh Reichard holding 16.

His recent results prove that the veteran remains highly competitive. Most recently, Hawkins won his 24th ring at Grand Victoria Casino and quickly followed it up by claiming his 25th at Harrah's Cherokee. He then carried that momentum back to the Circuit after making a deep run at the WSOP.

Hawkins believes players can sometimes accumulate chips more easily outside Las Vegas because the competition is less concentrated.

"No disrespect to anybody here, but the accumulation of chips is a little bit easier. We're out of Vegas, so there is less competition."

Away from the tables, Hawkins also emphasized the satisfaction he gets from his family and personal life.

"My family's ballin'. All of my kids are successful. My health is where it needs to be. I have zero worries. God is good."

The result keeps Hawkins firmly at the top of the Circuit's all-time leaderboard. More importantly, his comeback against Green showed that his latest victory involved far more than simply adding another trophy to his collection.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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