The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit is setting the stage for its second festival of the year at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California. While the current action unfolds in Oklahoma at the WSOP Circuit Choctaw Durant, players on the West Coast are gearing up for their own poker spectacle, which kicks off with the $400 Seniors Event on January 16.
Thunder Valley’s poker festival promises 16 thrilling ring events, alongside daily satellite opportunities starting as early as January 13. With a mix of popular tournaments and unique game formats, it’s shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for poker enthusiasts.
A Packed Schedule of Poker Action
The WSOP Circuit Thunder Valley offers a rich variety of tournaments designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of players. Some of the standout events include:
- $1,700 Main Event: Featuring a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool, this is expected to be the festival’s crown jewel.
- $400 Monster Stack and $1,125 Last Call: Each offering a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool, these events are perfect for players seeking high-stakes excitement.
- Omaha Eight-or-Better Tournaments: A pair of tournaments for fans of split-pot games.
- Event #9 – T.O.R.S.E. Mix: A twist on the traditional H.O.R.S.E. format, substituting lowball triple draw for Texas hold’em.
For those looking to secure their seat at the Main Event, both online and on-site satellites provide affordable entry points. Daily satellite tournaments ensure there’s always a chance to join the action.
Spotlight on Defending Champion Travis Egbert
The last WSOP Circuit at Thunder Valley saw Travis Egbert claim victory in the October 2024 Main Event. Egbert took home a cheque for $214,565—his third WSOP Circuit ring—after an intense final table showdown.
Egbert’s road to triumph was anything but easy. The Main Event drew 812 entries, generating a prize pool of $1,230,180. After ten gruelling hours at the final table, Egbert emerged victorious, defeating Xiong Thao in a marathon heads-up battle. Thao, who finished in second place, walked away with $142,540.
Here’s a look at the final table payouts from the October 2024 Main Event:
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travis Egbert | $214,565 |
| 2 | Xiong Thao | $142,540 |
| 3 | Gregory Pincombe | $100,065 |
| 4 | Brock Wilson | $71,070 |
| 5 | Thomas Morris | $51,905 |
| 6 | Kirk Acevedo | $38,380 |
| 7 | Jared Smith | $28,640 |
| 8 | Colton Blomberg | $21,800 |
| 9 | Michael Rossitto | $16,875 |
Egbert’s victory solidifies his status as a player to watch in this year’s circuit.
Unique Formats and Guaranteed Thrills
One of the standout features of this festival is the variety of game formats on offer. Beyond traditional Texas hold’em, the Thunder Valley series caters to fans of mixed games and specialty formats. Event #9, the T.O.R.S.E. mix, exemplifies this approach, combining the H.O.R.S.E. disciplines with a unique twist by replacing hold’em with lowball triple draw. This innovation keeps the festival fresh and appealing to seasoned players.
The inclusion of Omaha eight-or-better tournaments further diversifies the schedule, offering something for fans of high-skill, split-pot formats. These events often attract a dedicated subset of players who relish the strategic complexity of Omaha games.
Looking Ahead: More WSOP Circuit Stops
Thunder Valley’s festival is just the beginning. Poker enthusiasts can look forward to 12 more WSOP Circuit events across the United States between now and mid-May. As Thunder Valley wraps up, the action shifts to Mississippi, where the WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Tunica begins on January 23.
From there, the Circuit moves to Harrah’s Pompano Beach in Florida at the end of January, followed by Harrah’s Cherokee in North Carolina in mid-February. Additional stops will take players to destinations like Maryland, Indiana, New York, and Las Vegas, ensuring there’s no shortage of opportunities to chase a coveted WSOP Circuit ring.
Mark Your Calendars
With its mix of big guarantees, unique formats, and the chance to win a WSOP ring, the Thunder Valley festival is poised to be a major highlight in the Circuit calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a hopeful amateur, this January is your chance to test your skills and claim your spot in poker history.
