German Pro Takes Home $185,458 After Dominating California Stop
The World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) rolled into Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California, from September 25 to October 6, and the $1,700 Main Event wrapped up in style. Germany’s Andreas Kniep outlasted a tough field to capture the title, banking $185,458 and earning his second WSOPC gold ring after defeating Benjamin Primus heads-up on Monday.
Final Table Payouts
| Rank | Player | Country | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andreas Kniep | Germany | $185,458 |
| 2 | Benjamin Primus | United States | $123,603 |
| 3 | Jennifer Molan | United States | $85,666 |
| 4 | Chris Elkins | United States | $60,439 |
| 5 | Zichuan Huang | China | $43,421 |
| 6 | Sarkis Khachatryan | United States | $31,776 |
| 7 | Scott Stewart | United States | $23,696 |
| 8 | Derric Haynie | United States | $18,013 |
| 9 | Anthony Swift | United States | $13,962 |
A Second Shine for Kniep
Known for his flashy wardrobe and fearless table presence, Andreas Kniep added another chapter to his poker story with this latest victory. The Google software engineer and former SpaceX engineer has been quietly building an impressive poker résumé over the past few years.
Kniep first made headlines with an 18th-place finish in the 2021 WSOP Main Event for $305,000, then followed it up with a fourth-place showing in the 2023 Millionaire Maker, earning a career-best $501,182. His first Circuit ring came just over a year ago at WSOPC Graton, where he took down the $600 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed event for $15,907.
Primus Scores Breakout Finish
Sacramento local Benjamin Primus put together a stellar run of his own, earning $123,603 for his runner-up finish — more than doubling his previous best career score. Primus was also chasing a second ring after recently taking down the $400 H.O.R.S.E. event at WSOPC Graton for $7,667. While he fell just short this time, his deep run proved he’s a growing force on the Circuit.
Stacked Final Table at Thunder Valley
The final table was loaded with talent and experience. Eight-time ring winner Scott Stewart finished seventh for $23,696, continuing an incredible year that included winning the 2024 WPT World Championship for $2,563,900 and receiving a Global Poker Award nomination for “Best Final Table Performance.”
Rounding out the lineup were strong showings from Jennifer Molan, Chris Elkins, and Zichuan Huang, each adding solid cashes to their WSOPC résumés.
More Rings and Rising Stars
The Thunder Valley stop featured 13 ring events with buy-ins ranging from $400 to $3,250, offering a mix of formats including Big O, 2-7 Triple Draw, and No-Limit Hold’em Monster Stack.
Among the other standout performers, Jarod Minghini picked up his fifth ring by winning the $600 PLO, while three-time WSOP bracelet winner Frankie O’Dell added a sixth Circuit ring in the $600 H.O.R.S.E. event.
The Circuit Rolls On
With the Thunder Valley stop in the books, the WSOP Circuit continues its tour across North America. Current events are underway at Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary and Horseshoe Baltimore. Next up is Harrah’s Pompano Beach in Florida, running October 9–20, where the spotlight will once again shine on the $1,700 WSOPC Main Event — and the next gold-ring dream.
