Maurice Hawkins Cements Legacy with 22nd WSOP Circuit Ring

Circuit leader defeats Cody Stanford in Tunica to extend all-time lead

Maurice Hawkins has put more distance between himself and the rest of the field. The all-time World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring leader captured his 22nd title this week at WSOPC Tunica, widening the gap on the all-time leaderboard.

Hawkins topped the field in the $400 buy-in Mini Main to secure the record-extending victory and a top prize of $35,146. The tournament drew a crowd that pushed the prize pool to $206,250, easily surpassing the event’s $150,000 guarantee.

To lock up the win, Hawkins had to get past heads-up opponent Cody Stanford. Stanford, a seasoned player with more than a half-dozen Circuit rings on his resume, earned $23,408 for the runner-up finish.

“The winner of the Tunica Mini Main. Is your boy, for ring number 22,” Hawkins posted on X. “Like I said, printing money is what do.”

The Chasing Pack

The victory in Mississippi gives Hawkins breathing room ahead of his closest competitors, Ari Engel and Daniel Lowery.

Engel sits second on the all-time list with 20 rings. He made two runs at a record-tying 21st ring with two final table appearances earlier this month but came up short both times. He now needs two victories to catch Hawkins.

Lowery holds the third spot with 19 rings after winning his most recent title in October 2025. Hawkins has been on a rapid ascent recently, having won his 20th and 21st rings back-to-back at WSOP Circuit Caesars New Orleans in August 2025.

A Strong Start in Tunica

The Mini Main victory was Hawkins’ second deep run of the series. He previously made the final table of Event #1, the $400 Double Stack Opener, where he finished fourth for $4,261.

The result follows recent news regarding Hawkins’ off-the-felt business dealings. Weeks ago, a mediator stepping in to rule on a financial dispute between Hawkins and a former backer found “no conclusive fault” on Hawkins’ part.

The Tunica circuit stop began Jan. 22 and runs through Feb. 2. Other notable ring winners this week include:

• Charles Dawson (Event #5: $600 Black Chip Bounty, $12,076)
• Michael Byers (Event #6: $400 Six Max, $14,020)
• Weston Wallace (Event #7: $400 PLO 8 or Better, $9,069)

Final Table Results: WSOPC Tunica Mini Main