All-Time Ring Winner Maurice Hawkins Offers Up Constructive Criticism

Maurice Hawkins, who is in action today, is a polarizing figure in the poker world. He's got fans but he's also got his fair share of haters. You see, he's not one to shy away from speaking his mind, and when the 13-time World Series of Poker Circuit ring winner recently reached out to PokerNews to air some grievances, we listened.

Hawkins is the latest grinder to join the chorus of players frustrated by changes that have affected the game over the years — changes like paying more of the field, the rise of re-entry events, and extended late registration, just to name a few.

"It's the poker scene as a whole, but mainly it's on the WSOP Circuit," Hawkins says with reference to his stomping ground. "They've incorporated unlimited re-entries, and while that may be good to get the numbers up, for the longevity of poker it's terrible. Over a couple of years, a player isn't going to be around for more than 2-3 years max, because he's just never going to turn a profit except here and there."

For more on what Hawkins had to say check out this feature article on PokerNews.