VIDEO: Poker Pro Maurice Hawkins Assaulted During Thanksgiving Game

This Thanksgiving, families fought over politics at dining tables across America, but the most viral battle of the holiday took place at a poker table in Florida.

The World Series of Poker Circuit's (WSOPC) most decorated player, Maurice Hawkins, was attacked in Palm Beach County during a private game. PokerNews reported the story with footage that quickly went viral on social media, igniting discussion over what caused the brawl.

In the video, Hawkins is shown taking several blows to the head while seated before making an effort to wrestle with his assailant. The two men are swiftly separated by other players.

Take a look at it yourself. https://youtu.be/I195P2ATw2A

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With 21 tournament gold rings, Hawkins is the WSOPC record holder. He is also renowned for using boasts about his skill on the felt and in the boxing ring to entice his poker rivals. Additionally, the other player just "had enough" of him "running his mouth," according to an unnamed source who spoke to PokerNews.

Tray Rock, a different player in the game, clarified that he and Hawkins had identified as African American in nationality. However, Eugene, a player who only went by Eugene, disputed the idea that "African American" is a nationality.

Hawkins, who is not one to back down, then joked, "So what — you want to box about it," according to Rock.

This caused Eugene to get up from his seat and begin attacking.

Hawkins posted a video and discussion about the incident on X (previously Twitter), allegedly in response to those who said he had lost.

“The narratives are hilarious,” he wrote. “A guy tried to sucker punch me and sneak attack me while I am in my seat. Then you post I got my ass whoop. Fucking hilarious.”

Although they are still uncommon, physical altercations do happen in poker. A player was rendered unconscious following a brawl at the Red Rock Poker Room in Las Vegas earlier this year.