PokerNews Podcast

In the 961st episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back for a special episode to discuss the recent Grand Jury verdict regarding The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas. Spoiler Alert: It was good news for Doug Polk and company as potential charges were dismissed, and seized funds and equipment will be returned. Not only that, the cardroom has plans to reopen as soon as possible.
It was the best case outcome considering the situation, and the poker world, including co-owners Brad Owen and Andrew Neeme, celebrated en masse. There are still a lot of lingering questions as to what may come next, but the crew dives into it all in this episode.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:28 | Charges dropped
02:28 | Doug Polk shares the good news
05:00 | Was it a witch hunt?
06:45 | The Lodge Card Club issues statement
07:45 | Another legal win for Texas poker
10:26 | Is this good long term?
11:00 | Poker community celebrates
15:30 | Brad Owen & Andrew Neeme
17:10 | WSOPC at Texas Card House
18:30 | Influencers & Live Stream

In the 960th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Maurice Hawkins, who finally took them up on their long-standing offer to come on the show and share his side of the story.
Maurice discusses his recent Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, his dealings with Randy Garcia, and why he feels unjustly targeted. The 24-time WSOP Circuit ring winner also touches upon the situation with Denise Pratt, his backing situation with Cody Stanford, family obligations, and much more.
Things became heated at times over the course of the 40-minute uncut interview, but it marks the first time Maurice has come on the PokerNews Podcast to discuss the various allegations and judgment against him.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:35 | Maurice Hawkins joins the show
02:13 | Situation with Randy Garcia
06:27 | Cody Stanford backer situation
08:56 | Great year, but unable to pay
09:37 | Should it be considered scamming?
13:00 | Failing to live up to the agreement
17:30 | Is Maurice a legend?
20:35 | Could Maurice be a beloved player?
29:36 | Who is the victim?
34:35 | Final words

In the 959th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz get together to discuss the recent bankruptcy filing of Maurice Hawkins. Is it to absolve himself from a six-figure poker debt due to Randy Garcia?
According to a Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (Case 26-15116-EPK) obtained by PokerNews, Hawkins, through his attorney Michael A. Kaufman, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Thursday, April 23 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.
The filing came less than three weeks after Hawkins won the WSOP Circuit Elgin Event #3: $400 NLH for $17,419 and his record 24th ring, and despite Hawkins having already amassed $217,254 in 2026 tournament earnings according to The Hendon Mob.
Plus, hear from Randy Garcia's attorney Rogen Chhabra, who has launched garnishment efforts against Maurice.
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
01:20 | Maurice Hawkins Files For Bankruptcy
16:40 | Attorney Rogen K. Chhabra

In the 958th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to talk about a poker mystery. How did Esther Taylor's 2022 WPT Wynn trophy end up on eBay without her knowledge? Chad actually brought it to her attention, and after some investigating, there are more questions than answers. Was the trophy stolen? Hear from Etay herself as she shares what she thinks happened.
From there, they talk about WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, which included Jared Bleznick (AKA Blez) meeting WWE superstar The Miz and discussing a $1.5 million sports card. From there, it's a look back at online poker's Black Friday on its 15th anniversary, plans for the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP), a big win by poker photographer Katerina Lukina, and winners from the 2026 PGT U.S. Poker Open, including Brock Wilson and Joao Simao.
Finally, Chad shares video highlights from his trip to the record-setting Irish Open in Dublin.
Find out all about those stories and more in this week's episode of the PokerNews Podcast!
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
01:20 | Etay's trophy on eBay
05:08 | Hear what Etay has to say
08:00 | Missing poker memorabilia
10:38 | WrestleMania Weekend
10:53 | Blez meets Miz
12:47 | Black Friday 15th Anniversary
18:20 | US Poker Open winners
21:44 | Past US Poker Open champions
23:10 | Congrats to Katerina Lukina
25:25 | Plans for the 2026 WSOP
28:40 | Chad at the Irish Poker Open

In the 957th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas to sit down with TJ Reid, the recently-appointed Manager of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit. 
Reid talks about his vision for the WSOP Circuit, upcoming plans, and how he'll help foster a better overall player experience. He offers a unique perspective as a player himself; in fact, he finished fourth in the WSOP Paradise $25K Super Main Event last December for $3,000,000. Speaking of which, Reid talks about that whole experience, including having a front-row seat to the infamous Eric Wasserson slowroll against Benny Glaser.  
A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!
Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
01:00 | TJ's WSOP opportunity
06:00 | WSOP's need for more faces
10:40 | What players should get excited about
12:50 | Coming back to Milwaukee?
15:10 | Hailing from Missouri
16:00 | Winning $3M at WSOPP
19:50 | How'd you celebrate?
20:30 | Eric Wasserson slowrolls Benny Glaser
26:35 | His first $25K tournament
27:54 | Follow TJ Reid