dailyloe.com – Poker professional Maurice Hawkins has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on April 23, 2026, in the Southern District of Florida. This filing comes as he seeks relief from a six-figure debt to Randy Garcia. Hawkins is a 24-time World Series of Poker Circuit gold ring winner with nearly $7 million in lifetime tournament earnings.
The bankruptcy documents, obtained by PokerNews, reveal that Hawkins filed through his attorney, Michael A. Kaufman. This decision follows Hawkins’ recent success, having won the WSOP Circuit Elgin Event #3 for $17,419 just weeks prior.
Despite earning $217,254 in 2026, Hawkins is facing financial difficulties. In 2025 and 2024, he reported his best tournament earnings of $741,937 and $853,068, respectively. His financial troubles stem from a deal made with Randy Garcia to repay $30,000, which he has allegedly failed to honor.
Hawkins was required to pay $2,500 monthly, but after a few months, he reportedly stopped making payments. Garcia has since taken legal action to collect the debt. Recently, Hawkins attempted to cash in a tournament but was informed that a garnishment prevented him from doing so.
Following this incident, Hawkins filed for bankruptcy, which may serve to evade further garnishment. Attorney Rogen Chhabra, who filed the garnishment for Garcia, commented that while this filing may complicate Garcia’s collection efforts, there remains a possibility to contest Hawkins’ bankruptcy status.
Chhabra indicated that they may argue Hawkins is not genuinely bankrupt but is instead exploiting the system. Hawkins has stated, “I will pay him when I can,” reflecting his intention to settle the debt when possible.
