Record Holder Maurice Hawkins Claims 25th WSOPC Ring

Maurice Hawkins has continued his winning ways on the felt by capturing his 25th World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring, further extending his own all-time record.

The polarizing figure in poker secured the victory in Event #9: $1,100 No-Limit Hold'em at Harrah's Cherokee in North Carolina. Hawkins outlasted a field of 631 entrants to take home the first-place prize of $113,233, navigating through a final table stacked with accomplished professionals.

The victory adds another milestone to Hawkins' career, cementing his status as the Phil Hellmuth of the WSOP Circuit. He defeated runner-up James Calderaro heads-up to secure the title. 

Calderaro, who earned $75,400 for his second-place finish, is a WSOP bracelet winner with more than $6.5 million in live tournament cashes recorded by The Hendon Mob.

The final table also featured Jarod Minghini, who finished in eighth place for $10,770. Minghini holds five Circuit rings and has accumulated $2.4 million in live tournament earnings.

With this latest victory, Hawkins tops both skilled professionals in career earnings. The win at Harrah's Cherokee pushes his career total past the $7 million mark. Hawkins won his very first Circuit ring in 2008 and has already added three rings to his tally this year alone. He continues to lap the competition, leaving Ari Engel and Daniel Lowery tied for a distant second place with 20 rings each.

The record-breaking win follows recent off-felt news involving Hawkins. PokerNews reported in recent weeks that the Circuit record holder had filed for bankruptcy in Florida. 

Following the report, Hawkins appeared on the PokerNews Podcast to share his perspective on the situation. During the episode, he engaged in a heated discussion with co-host Mike Holtz, who accused the WSOPC crusher of attempting to "squirm and wiggle your way out of all these debts."

The WSOP Circuit series at Harrah's Cherokee features a total of 18 ring events. The series wraps up on Monday with the conclusion of the $1,700 buy-in Main Event. 

Following the conclusion of the North Carolina stop, the World Series of Poker action will shift over to Las Vegas for the upcoming 100-bracelet summer series.