Longstanding Dispute Culminates in Execution
The main reason for Hawkins' legal steps is presumably an attempt to rid himself of a debt to former investor Randy Garcia. Their dispute has been ongoing since 2019, when a Palm Beach County court ruled against Hawkins for the amount of $115,828, including interest and court fees.
At the beginning of this year, it seemed that both parties had reached an agreement. Hawkins agreed to a payment plan of $2,500 monthly, totaling $30,000, which they had amicably settled on as compensation. However, Hawkins broke the agreement again after a few payments.
Me and Randy have an agreement. Denise Pratt arbitration findings have been posted. (Read that for yourself). 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 . #2026YearOfTheHawk
— EatingOnAllStages (@mauricehawkins) January 4, 2026
New details reveal that Hawkins did not voluntarily opt for bankruptcy but was pressured by circumstances. Just a day before filing, he attempted to withdraw tournament winnings at a casino in Tunica, Mississippi. To his surprise, the money was not released. The lawyer for his creditor, Randy Garcia, Rogen Chhabra, had successfully initiated a garnishment order directly with the casino operator.
When Hawkins realized he wouldn't receive the money, he immediately filed for bankruptcy, which temporarily halts all execution steps.
Millions in Earnings vs. Empty Pockets
What makes this case morally controversial is Hawkins' behavior on social media and his current results. According to the Hendon Mob database, he experienced the most successful period of his career in the last two years, winning $853,000 in 2024 and another $741,000 in 2025. In just the first four months of 2026, he has already accumulated winnings exceeding another $217,000.
While claiming insolvency in court, he spares no confidence-filled statements on the X network: “I have more disposable income than your total income. I live in your heads rent-free,” he wrote in one post. Hawkins even publicly challenged the legendary Shaun Deeb to a $100,000 bet. He also shared plans to take his kids to Disney World and participate in the WSOP Main Event, for which he secured a seat during the WSOPC Tunica series.
You @junglemandan the same as @shaundeeb . Him ,saying the reason I got attacked was because I owed somebody money. You guys attention Whores. You might play poker . But , I don’t give a fuck . Because you are nobody to me. So once again keep my name out of your fucking mouth .
— EatingOnAllStages (@mauricehawkins) March 22, 2026
His bankruptcy documents reveal a long list of two dozen creditors. Hawkins estimates his liabilities to be between $100,000 and $500,000, marking the debts as purely consumer-related. Besides the key debt to Randy Garcia (originally $115,828), the list of creditors includes:
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The IRS
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Luxury department store Nordstrom
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Boca Raton Pawn Shop
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Former wife and various financial institutions
Legal Fraud or Necessity?
Attorney Rogen Chhabra remarked that this bankruptcy is just another maneuver by Hawkins to evade responsibility. “We have evidence of his winnings and his statements on social media. We intend to prove in court that Maurice Hawkins is not truly insolvent but is abusing the system,” Chhabra stated.
His recent tournament successes support this claim. If the court finds it a fraudulent action, his debts will not be erased, and the WSOPC record-holder will have to face executors at each subsequent tournament.
The entire case tarnishes the reputation of one of the most successful players on the tournament circuit, who, despite $7 million in lifetime earnings, faces accusations of defrauding people who trusted him.
Sources: The Hendon Mob, PokerNews, X
