The fight occurred during a private game in Palm Beach County
WSOP Circuit veteran Maurice Hawkins found himself at the center of a physical altercation during a private poker game in Palm Beach County, Florida, adding another chapter to a career marked by both success and controversy. Hawkins, who holds a record 21 WSOPC rings and more than $6.6 million in tournament earnings, has long drawn criticism for alleged unpaid gambling debts and strained relationships with backers. Tensions around him escalated sharply during the Thanksgiving-week home game.
A video shared on social media shows the incident breaking out at a two-table setup inside the home, where players had gathered to watch sports and play cards. In the clip, an unidentified player repeatedly punches Hawkins in the head and ribs after taking offense to Hawkins boasting about his skills in poker and boxing. Hawkins, despite his claims, appears largely defensive, covering up as the blows land.
Players at the table can be heard urging both men to stop, but the attacker continues swinging before finally backing off. The brawl highlights a recent trend of heated confrontations in live poker settings. Physical fights have surfaced in casinos and cardrooms in multiple states over the last two years, reflecting rising tensions as live poker has surged back post-pandemic.
Hawkins’ reputation has done little to cool emotions around him. Several former backers have publicly accused him of failing to repay loans, contributing to the resentment he often faces at the table. Earlier this year, one of those critics recorded Hawkins engaging in a heated verbal exchange at a WSOPC stop in Tunica.
Following the Florida altercation, Hawkins posted a follow-up video showing the men arguing after the fight, denying he was outmatched. For now, the clip has fueled another round of debate among poker players and fans familiar with Hawkins’ turbulent history.
