Hawkins Makes History with Second World Series of Poker Circuit Win

April 29th, 2016 | by Kaycee James

Maurice Hawkins enters the record books after booking back-to-back WSOPC Main Event wins. (Image: PokerStars.com)

The World Series of Poker Circuit has just crowned its first ever back-to-back champion in the form of Maurice Hawkins.

The professional poker player from West Palm Beach, Florida, made history on the WSOP’s regional tour on Monday night after he breezed through another $1,675 Main Event.

After picking up his second WSOPC ring and $113,152 at the start of April at Council Bluffs, Iowa, Hawkins made his way to Harrah’s Cherokee for another Main Event.

A Tough Route to the Final

Anteing up alongside 1,007 other entrants, Hawkins was undoubtedly the man with the momentum on his side, but with a sea of players to get through, including established pros such as Leif Force, his route to victory wasn’t going to be easy.

In fact, despite making it through to the third day, Hawkins found himself languishing in 16th place with just 20 runners left.

While another deep run would have been commendable, Hawkins has become something of an expert in WSOPC events of late and within a few rounds, he was among the top stacks.

That momentum propelled Hawkins to the final table where he started eighth in chips, but as the chips stated to fly his fortunes took a tumble.

Dropping down to just nine big blinds it looked as though Hawkins would fall short of a historic win.

A Strong Finish from Hawkins

Fortunately, the poker gods were on his side and thanks to a series of timely double ups, he found himself in a dominant position heads-up against WSOP bracelet holder Leif Force.

Despite not being a WSOP bracelet holder himself, Hawkins appeared destined to win this event as he pressed home his chip advantage.

The tournament finally came to a conclusion after Hawkins moved all-in with the board showing Js 4c 3h Ad 2d.

With Force virtually committed at this point, he called off the remainder of his chips and tabled pocket queens while Hawkins showed As 2s.

With the final pot pushed his way and his name etched in the history books, a jubilant Hawkins posed for pictures as the latest circuit champion and the first player to win two WSOPC Main Events in a row.