Maurice Hawkins secured his 16th World Series of Poker Circuit gold ring by winning the main event at Harrah’s Cherokee on May 13. This achievement places him second on the all-time list for gold rings, just one behind Ari Engel’s 17 titles. Hawkins earned $259,160, pushing his career earnings to over $5.65 million.
“It feels great to win. I love poker more than people know and I want to say thank you to everyone who notices my passion for the game,” Hawkins told reporters after his victory. This prize marks the second-largest cash win of his career.
The $1,700 buy-in no-limit hold’em event attracted 981 entrants, creating a prize pool of $1,486,215. The top 145 players each took home at least $2,854. Day 2 saw 101 players return, with nine advancing to the final day.
Hawkins started the final day in fourth place, with less than half the chips of the leaders. Early on, he eliminated Trace Henderson in ninth place with pocket kings, climbing the leader board.
In heads-up play, Hawkins had 22.25 million chips against Matt Higgins’ 17.35 million. Though Higgins briefly took the lead, Hawkins regained control. The decisive hand saw Hawkins holding A
Q against Higgins’ A
5. The board did not alter the outcome, securing Hawkins the win and sending Higgins to the rail in second place. This finish brought Higgins’ career earnings close to $2 million.
This year, Hawkins has already made five final tables, with this victory being his first title.
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