Ari Engel Wins 20th WSOP Circuit Ring at Council Bluffs

By Mrinal Gujare

3 hours ago

Mrinal Gujare 3 hours ago

Share this article

Ari Engel wins 20th WSOP Circuit ring at Council Bluffs.
Prize includes $22,372 and WSOP Paradise package.
Engel is now 1 ring away from all-time leader Maurice Hawkins.

Image Credit: Graton Resort & Casino

Ari Engel captured his 20th WSOP Circuit ring at Council Bluffs, winning Event #12 for $22,372 and a $5,000 WSOP Paradise package. The victory puts Engel one spot behind Maurice Hawkins on the all-time WSOPC leaderboard.

The all-time World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring race has once again intensified. Just after midnight at WSOPC Council Bluffs, Ari Engel secured his 20th WSOP Circuit ring, marking another significant moment in poker history.

With this win, Engel has matched Maurice Hawkins as the only players to have ever reached the 20-ring milestone.

Engel is one ring behind Maurice Hawkins

Engel’s latest triumph places him only one ring behind Maurice Hawkins, who recently pulled ahead after claiming two WSOPC victories in August.

Engel has frequently occupied the top spot in the WSOP Circuit all-time leaderboard, and with multiple events remaining at Council Bluffs – including the Main Event beginning Friday – the gap could potentially close even further.

“Of course, it’s very unlikely. And whatever happens, I’m okay with it. Now that I’ve just won a tournament, I can pretend I really don’t care about the ups and downs of tournament poker.

“But most of it’s out of your control for any one tournament, so to me it doesn’t make sense to think I’m going to win another,” added Engel.

Victory in Event #12: $1,100 at Horseshoe Council Bluffs

Engel’s victory came in Event #12: $1,100 No-Limit Hold’em, less than 12 hours after he arrived at Horseshoe Council Bluffs.

Prior to this, he had been competing at the Borgata Big, Big Buy-In Event in Atlantic City, showcasing his dedication across back-to-back tournament series.

The victory awarded Engel $22,372 in prize money, the prestigious WSOP Circuit gold ring, and a $5,000 package to WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, further enhancing the value of the achievement.

The Significance of Engel’s 20th WSOPC Ring

Achieving 20 WSOP Circuit rings is a feat matched only by Hawkins, reinforcing Engel’s reputation as one of the most accomplished players in the global WSOP Circuit tour.

His ability to perform across different venues, including Atlantic City and Council Bluffs within the same week, illustrates the adaptability required to remain competitive at the highest levels of tournament poker.

Looking Ahead: WSOPC Council Bluffs Main Event

The spotlight now turns to the upcoming WSOPC Council Bluffs Main Event, where Engel has another opportunity to add to his tally.

The WSOP Circuit ring race remains one of the most followed competitions outside of bracelet events, as players like Engel and Hawkins push the boundaries of what can be achieved in the long-running tour.

Select All

Poker Events

Poker Events Starts in

Latest News

See all