Editor
The WSOP circuit ring chase drama continues as Maurice Hawkins added another ring to move him into a tie for first place.
Hawkins won his 19th ring at WSOPC Tunica in Event #6: $400 No-Limit Hold’em Monster Stack for $34,711. This is Hawkins’s third ring of 2025 after winning ring #17 in Pompano Beach and #18 in Baltimore earlier this year.
Always a figure shrouded in controversy, his win in Baltimore was particularly controversial because of a mishap where Hawkins’ losing hand was awarded the pot, eliminating a player and taking the Main Event to heads-up play.
While the Baltimore controversy was not necessarily Hawkins’ fault, this win in Tunica comes with entirely self-generated controversy. The Florida circuit grinder has long had issues with backers and accusations of stiffing people he owes money, and after his win in Tunica, it has seemingly hit a boiling point.
Circuit Ring Chase
While everything surrounding Hawkins puts a damper on the enthusiasm surrounding the circuit ring chase, it has been incredible to watch the top three contenders duke it out. None of the three are backing down in the race.
Shortly before Hawkins added #19, Ari Engel put himself out in front with ring #19 of his own. Engel is seemingly never far from a ring with his efficiency at winning online rings.
The player currently in bronze medal position is Daniel Lowery who is just one ring behind with 18. The Arkansas native has ramped up the race and applied pressure to the leaders at every step. He has a staggering eight rings since 2023 and three since November 2024. His most recent win in Tulsa was in the Seniors Event. Like Hawkins, Lowery wins all of his rings in live events.
The race for #20 is going to be intense. Based on current form, it will not be long before the #20 milestone is reached.
