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Building his legacy is one of the most decorated World Series of Poker Circuit players, Maurice Hawkins has won a record-tying 18th ring in the Horseshoe - Baltimore WSOP Circuit Main Event.

Las Vegas, Nevada (March 3, 2025) - Continuing his fierce back-and-forth battle with World Series of Poker star Ari Engel for the all-time lead in WSOP Circuit victories, Maurice Hawkins has tied his fellow crusher by winning ring number 18 in the Horseshoe - Baltimore Circuit Main Event.

Even once again with Engel for the all-time lead and $140,752 richer following his win, Hawkins not only has 18 rings to his name, but a staggering SIX Circuit Main Event titles.

Speaking with Poker.Org, the official media partner of the WSOP Circuit, after locking up ring #18, the always confident Hawkins gave an answer fitting his aura and personality.

“Always winning. Put me up against anybody. I am the most consistent poker player that ever gonna live. I got patience. I'm a psycho. I got game theory, I got luck and I got God. Can't be stopped."

Coming into the third and final day of play in the Horseshoe - Baltimore Circuit Main Event, Hawkins held a hefty lead amongst the final 6 players, being the only one with over 100 big blinds.

Utilizing not only his chip lead but years of experience excelling at final tables, Hawkins maneuvered his way through the last chapter of the Main Event to set-up a lengthy heads-up duel with Dan Chalifour.

Despite starting heads-up play with a slight chip lead, Hawkins lost a series of small pots to Chalifour and eventually a sizable one to put his back against the ropes with 2,400,000 chips to his opponent’s 16,300,000.

With the odds (and chips) stacked against him, Hawkins showed off the skills that has earned him nearly four hands worth of Circuit rings.

Grinding his short stack for hours, with 6,300,000 chips to Chalifour’s 12,400,000 Hawkins secured a crucial double up after rivering one of his numerous outs to beat his opponent’s flopped two pair.

Gaining momentum but more importantly the chip lead, it would take Hawkins less than two hours to close the door on Chalifour and win his 18th career WSOP Circuit ring.

Reflecting on his comeback win during heads-up play in the Horseshoe - Baltimore Circuit Main Event, Hawkins explained how lessons from the Animal Kingdom guide his poker play.

“He kept getting lucky on me. I couldn't bluff him, I couldn't make the best hand and I couldn't suck out, so that was the situation,” Hawkins said. “But I go to the zoo a lot and the one thing I learned at the zoo; you have to play with your food before you kill it. And that's what I did.”

Even when displaying his signature confidence, Hawkins did not hide how grateful he was for his success and career on the felt.

“I'm just thankful I get to do this for a living. Being there for everybody that's in my life. It's just an amazing feeling and I'm very thankful.”

Witnessing Hawkins’ historic win, it was nearly impossible for the Poker.Org team not to ask the 18-time Circuit champ how he felt being tied once again with Engel on the all-time wins list.

“I feel like I am in a class of my own. No disrespect to Ari, I love the guy. But I am where I'm supposed to be.”

On behalf of the WSOP Media Team, congratulations to Maurice Hawkins not only for winning $140,752 in the Horseshoe - Baltimore WSOP Circuit Main Event, but for securing his historic 18th career WSOPC victory.