Maurice Hawkins Moves Into Second on WSOPC Ring List with Cherokee Main Event Win

Key Takeaways

• Maurice Hawkins clinches his 16th WSOP Circuit ring, advancing to second place on the all-time list.
• The $1,700 buy-in WSOP Cherokee Main Event attracted 981 participants, generating a nearly $1.5 million prize pool.
• The competition at the top of the Circuit ring leaderboard intensifies as players like Hawkins continue to secure significant wins.

In a dazzling display of skill and tenacity, Maurice Hawkins has officially broken a three-way tie for second place on the prestigious all-time World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring winners list. By securing his 16th Circuit ring, Hawkins not only cements his status as a poker legend but also adds another remarkable chapter to his already storied career. This latest triumph came at the $1,700 buy-in WSOP Cherokee Main Event, a tournament that witnessed an impressive turnout of 981 contenders and amassed a prize pool nearing $1.5 million.

Hawkins' journey to the top has been nothing short of cinematic. Long revered for holding the all-time ring lead, he found himself in a heated rivalry with Ari Engel, especially noted in the mixed game categories. Yet, it was in the Cherokee Main Event where Hawkins showcased his unparalleled prowess. The final table was no easy feat, featuring notable competitors like bracelet winner James Calderaro and five-time ring winner Matt Higgins. Despite the stiff competition, Hawkins emerged victorious, relegating Higgins to second place with a $160,176 prize and denying him his sixth ring.

The quest for supremacy in the WSOPC ring count has become increasingly competitive over the years. Ari Engel, the only player ahead of Hawkins, extended his lead with a 17th ring in February, narrowly missing an 18th title in an online No-Limit Hold'em Progressive Knockout (NLH PKO) event shortly after. Meanwhile, Josh Reichard and Daniel Lowery, both holding 15 rings, have shown relentless pursuit in their own rights, with Reichard securing a fifth-place finish at the WSOP Grand Victoria in April following his 15th ring win in November 2023.

For Hawkins, this victory is not just about the ring or the title; it's a testament to his enduring excellence and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of competitive poker. Following a third-place finish in February's WSOPC Cherokee Main Event and a runner-up position at WSOPC Tunica, Hawkins' latest win at Cherokee underscores his unmatched skill and determination.

As the race for the top spot on the WSOPC ring leaderboard heats up, it's players like Maurice Hawkins who remind us of the thrilling dynamism and fierce competition that define the world of professional poker. With each tournament, the legacy of these elite players grows, promising more excitement and record-breaking performances in the games to come.

(First reported by: PokerNews, 2023)