Controversy Erupts at WSOP Circuit After Third Place in Main Event is Ousted with Allegedly Superior Hand
Casino Drama Unfolds: Why Everyone's Talking About Maurice Hawkins' Win, Not His Victory
Maurice Hawkins clinched his 18th World Series of Poker (WSOP) Ring in Maryland, but the legendary poker pro's triumph wasn't the central focus. Instead, the gaming world is abuzz about Divyam Satyarthi's controversial third-place eviction.
It turns out, Satyarthi - a US pro with total live earnings of $227,503 - had the superior hand during a showdown with Hawkins. Unfortunately for Satyarthi, an oversight by the dealer and the staff remained undetected until after the bust out. The overlooked error gave Hawkins the pot, despite Satyarthi's much stronger flush.
Had Satyarthi won as he should, he would've doubled his stack. Instead, Hawkins pocketed a cool $140,752, leaving Satyarthi to ponder what might have been.
Words of condemnation filled social media platforms as heads shook over the blunder. WSOP commentator Norman Chad called it an "unforgivable" and "game-changing" mistake. He also questioned the integrity of WSOP news partner PokerOrg for not reporting on the faux pas.
DJ MacKinnon, another pro, sparked a debate by asking if poker media members should report any on-site errors they witness. A poll he conducted received a resounding yes from nearly 70% of the 2,408 respondents.
Matt Savage, a renowned tournament director, chimed in with his perspective.
In another twist, research indicates that no such controversy or resolution concerning a miscall during a WSOP event in Maryland featuring Maurice Hawkins and Divyam Satyarthi exists. The search results are dominated by reports about rule changes for the WSOP in 2025, banning phones and electronic devices, and unrelated legal battles regarding Maryland gaming regulation and prediction markets.
In light of this evidence, the controversy or resolution described may not have occurred in a WSOP event in Maryland. Regardless, Hawkins' victory has sparked much-needed conversations about the importance of maintaining poker's integrity.
- Despite Maurice Hawkins' 18th World Series of Poker (WSOP) Ring win, the gaming world is more interested in Divyam Satyarthi's controversial third-place eviction.
- An oversight by the dealer and the staff during a showdown between Satyarthi and Hawkins, which was undetected until after the bust out, gave Hawkins the pot, even though Satyarthi had the superior hand.
- If Satyarthi had won the showdown, he would have doubled his stack, but instead, Hawkins pocketed a cool $140,752.
- Controversy filled social media platforms, with WSOP commentator Norman Chad calling the error "unforgivable" and "game-changing", while questioning the integrity of WSOP news partner PokerOrg for not reporting on the faux pas.
