March 3, 2025 | Baltimore, MD
Poker history unfolded tonight as Maurice Hawkins cemented his legacy, securing his 18th World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring in a dramatic Baltimore Main Event finale—a feat tying the all-time record. The first WSOPC Baltimore championship since 2019 saw Hawkins conquer a grueling five-hour heads-up duel, showcasing the strategic brilliance and unshakable resolve that define his career.
“I Operate in a League of My Own”
Fresh off his victory, Hawkins delivered a characteristically bold statement: “Respect to Ari [Engel], but this is my throne. Six Main Event titles, five six-figure rings—these aren’t just trophies, they’re proof of dominance.” The 42-year-old phenom attributed his success to a potent cocktail of skills: “Patience, game theory mastery, a touch of madness… and divine favor. Combine that? Unstoppable.”
Yet beneath the bravado lay gratitude. “Living this dream—providing for my people—it’s humbling,” Hawkins reflected, acknowledging the weight of his journey.
A Battle Forged in Fire
This victory tested Hawkins like never before. Trailing with just 2.5 million chips (of 18.7 million total) at one critical juncture, he phoned a friend mid-battle with unflinching confidence: “He’s tough, but I’m taking this.” Drawing parallels to predatory instincts, Hawkins likened his comeback to a “zoo animal toying with prey before the kill,” deploying six distinct strategic shifts to dismantle his opponent.
Final Table Frenzy: By the Numbers
Final Six Contenders (Chip Counts):
- Maurice Hawkins – 6,110,000 (102bb)
- Keith Temm – 625,000 (10bb)
- Arthur Rippy – 545,000 (9bb)
- Andrew Chang – 3,165,000 (53bb)
- Dan Chalifour – 5,955,000 (99bb) (2016 Foxwoods ring winner)
- Divyam Satyarthi – 2,375,000 (40bb)
The stage was set with stark contrasts: Hawkins and Chalifour (poised to cross $1M earnings) dominated the leaderboard, while underdog Keith Temm entered with under $10k lifetime earnings. Three distinct chip tiers promised explosive dynamics as blinds loomed at 30,000/60,000.
A Message to Doubters
Hawkins closed with a signature jab at critics: “To my haters—join the parade or mute the updates. Either way, my legacy’s writing itself.”
PokerOrg Live will continue coverage as the poker world awaits Hawkins’ next move in this high-stakes saga.
Reported live from Horseshoe Baltimore by PokerOrg’s tournament desk.
Featured photo credit: WSOP/Bluff Europe
Key Stats Highlight
- Hawkins’ 18th ring ties all-time WSOPC record
- 6th career Main Event circuit title
- $140,752 top prize elevates career earnings past $3.5M
- Chalifour’s potential $1M milestone pending final placement
Strategic Breakdown
Hawkins’ Heads-Up Arsenal:
- Hyper-aggressive short-stack maneuvering
- Precision pot-odds exploitation
- Psychological warfare via timing tells
- Dynamic bet-sizing adjustments
- Fold equity maximization in marginal spots
- Ruthless ICM pressure in finale stages
This win solidifies Hawkins’ case as the most versatile tactician in modern circuit history—a predator who rewrites playbooks while collecting jewelry.
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