Published on: November 29, 2025, at 01:53h.

Updated on: November 29, 2025, at 01:54h.

While families debated political issues around dinner tables in the U.S. this Thanksgiving, a dramatic incident at a poker table in Florida became the holiday’s most talked-about moment.

Maurice Hawkins, a legendary figure in the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC), faced an unexpected physical confrontation during a private game in Palm Beach County. Video footage released by PokerNews quickly circulated on social media, igniting discussions around the incident’s motivation.

The video captures Hawkins enduring several punches from a seated position before he attempts to engage his assailant. Other players swiftly intervened to break up the altercation.

Watch the footage for yourself…

The Poker Showdown

Hawkins holds the unparalleled WSOPC record with 21 gold rings from tournaments. Known for his banter that both entertains and irritates opponents, a source close to the situation indicated that the other player simply reached a breaking point after enduring Hawkins’ commentary.

Another participant in the game, Tray Rock, noted that both he and Hawkins identified themselves as African American, a claim met with skepticism by a player named Eugene, who disputed the notion of “African American” as a nationality.

Hawkins, never one to avoid confrontation, reportedly responded: “So what — you want to box about it?”

This statement prompted Eugene to rise and initiate the assault.

In addressing the incident on X (formerly Twitter), Hawkins shared video footage alongside a rebuttal to claims he was bested in the altercation.

He remarked, “The narratives are comical. A guy attempted to sucker punch me while I was seated. Then, people claim I was beaten. Absolutely hilarious.”

While instances of physical scuffles in poker are uncommon, they do happen. Earlier this year, a player was rendered unconscious during a fight at the Red Rock Poker Room in Las Vegas.