Maurice Hawkins was attacked during a home poker game

21-time WSOP Circuit champion Maurice Hawkins became the victim of an attack at the poker table. A video recording of the incident was obtained by PokerNews.

21-time WSOP Circuit ring winner Maurice Hawkins was attacked during a private poker game—an incident that was caught on video and obtained by PokerNews on Thursday. Incident Details: Attack at the Poker Table The video, anonymously sent to PokerNews, shows an unknown man repeatedly striking Maurice Hawkins near a poker table. The attack only stopped after others managed to break up the fight. Maurice Hawkins is a well-known professional player who holds the record for most WSOP Circuit rings (21) and has often been a topic of discussion in the poker community due to his controversial reputation. According to a source who wished to remain anonymous, the incident took place during a private poker game in Palm Beach County, located in southeast Florida. The source clarified that the conflict started because “Maurice began bragging about his boxing skills, taunting and provoking another player, who eventually lost his temper.” The source also noted that Hawkins is required to pay in advance to play, while other players are allowed to play on credit. Participants’ Accounts: What Witnesses Say One of the players at the table, Tray Rock, told PokerNews that he considers the incident to be “an absolutely unprovoked attack” by a player named Eugene. According to him, the conflict was not related to any hand or any debts owed by Hawkins. Tray Rock also shared details of the conversation that preceded the fight: “Maurice and I said that we are African American, and Eugene argued that such a nationality doesn’t exist—he even Googled it. Maurice replied, ‘So what? You want to fight about it?’ After that, Eugene got up from seat two, walked over to seat seven where Maurice was sitting, and started beating him while he remained seated.” Maurice Hawkins’ Reaction and Aftermath On Thursday evening, Maurice Hawkins commented on the incident on social network X (formerly Twitter), posting a video in which he confronts the player who attacked him after the incident. In his post, Hawkins mocked the rumors spreading about what happened: “The stories going around are just ridiculous. Someone tried to sucker punch me while I was sitting at the table. And then they say I got beaten up. It’s just funny. Imagine what would have happened if they hadn’t grabbed me when I stood up. Here’s the truth about what happened.” Link to Maurice Hawkins’ video: https://twitter.com/mauricehawkins/status/1994254306149626346?s=20 Context: Conflicts and Safety in Poker Games Maurice Hawkins is a controversial figure and has often been involved in contentious situations in the poker world. Earlier this year, he was already in a conflict with former backer Denise Pratt at a WSOP Circuit stop at Horseshoe Tunica. Although full-blown fights in poker clubs are rare, they do happen. For example, earlier this year in the Red Rock poker room in Las Vegas, one player was taken out of action after a scuffle. At the same time, incidents of violence in private poker games have recently been drawing more attention. The video of the incident involving Maurice Hawkins, including audio, is available below (in the original PokerNews publication). This article will be updated as new information becomes available. Video provided by Tray Rock. Player List and Prize Payouts This incident took place in a private game, not a tournament, so there is no official tournament leaderboard or prize list. All that is known is that Maurice Hawkins was one of the players at the table, along with Tray Rock and Eugene. Who is Maurice Hawkins: Brief Profile Maurice Hawkins is a professional poker player and the record holder with 21 WSOP Circuit rings. He is known not only for his tournament success but also for his flamboyant and sometimes provocative behavior at the table. Throughout his career, Hawkins has repeatedly found himself in various conflicts, making him one of the most talked-about figures on the American poker scene. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players This case once again highlights the importance of choosing safe and regulated platforms for playing poker. Unlike private games, which lack official security measures and oversight, PPPoker clubs offer a protected environment where players can count on fair play and quick resolution of disputes. Additionally, the incident with Maurice Hawkins is a reminder of the need for respectful behavior at the table. Even verbal altercations or provocations can lead to unwanted consequences. PPPoker clubs have clear rules of conduct, minimizing the risk of conflicts and ensuring comfort for all participants. For PPPoker players, this incident is a reason to think about the format of their games and their own safety. By playing in platform clubs, you are not only protected from such incidents but can also be confident in transparent financial transactions and support from the administration.