The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit made another thrilling stop at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California, from September 25 to October 6, 2025. The stop featured 13 official ring events with buy-ins ranging from $400 to $3,250 and drew hundreds of hopefuls chasing poker glory.
When the cards were finally down, it was Germany’s Andreas Kniep — the eccentric, brightly dressed engineer-turned-poker-star — who captured his second WSOP Circuit ring and the $185,458 top prize.
Andreas Kniep’s Road to Victory
Kniep displayed composure and confidence throughout the Main Event. Facing Sacramento’s Benjamin Primus heads-up, Kniep demonstrated a masterclass in patience and aggression to seal the victory. Primus, who recently claimed his first Circuit title at the WSOPC Graton $400 H.O.R.S.E., added $123,603 to his bankroll with the runner-up finish.
This wasn’t Kniep’s first major appearance on the World Series of Poker stage. He finished 18th in the 2021 WSOP Main Event for $305,000 and fourth in the 2023 Millionaire Maker for a career-best $501,182. Off the tables, Kniep’s intellect shines — he’s a Google software engineer and former SpaceX engineer, merging analytical precision with poker intuition.
A Man of Many Talents
Off the felt, Kniep’s story is just as impressive. A Google software engineer and former SpaceX engineer, he’s the perfect blend of intellect and imagination — an analytical mind with a passion for high-level strategy and competition.
He captured his first WSOP Circuit ring at WSOP Graton in 2023, where he took down a $600 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed event for $15,907. This latest victory marks yet another milestone in his fast-rising poker career.
Final Table Results and Highlights
The final table at Thunder Valley was loaded with talent and WSOP veterans:
- Andreas Kniep (Germany) – $185,458
- Benjamin Primus (Sacramento) – $123,603
- Scott Stewart (California) – $23,696
- Anthony Swift (USA) – $13,962
Stewart, an eight-time WSOP Circuit winner, is still riding high after winning the 2024 WPT World Championship for $2.56 million and earning a Global Poker Award nomination for “Best Final Table Performance.”
Other event winners included Jarod Minghini, who captured his fifth ring in the $600 Pot-Limit Omaha, and Frankie O’Dell, who earned his sixth in the $600 H.O.R.S.E.
You can view full event details on the official WSOP Circuit results page .
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What’s Next for the World Series of Poker Circuit
The WSOP Circuit is showing no signs of slowing down. Following the Thunder Valley stop, the series moves to Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Canada, and Horseshoe Baltimore in Maryland.
The next major U.S. stop will be Harrah’s Pompano Beach in Florida (October 9–20, 2025), featuring another $1,700 Main Event expected to draw a massive field of competitors. Each stop offers players the chance to earn coveted rings, big paydays, and potentially secure a seat in the 2025 WSOP Global Casino Championship.
A Rising Star in the World Series of Poker
Andreas Kniep’s victory at Thunder Valley reinforces what makes the World Series of Poker so special — a blend of talent, persistence, and personality. From his roots in engineering to his flair for the game, Kniep embodies the evolution of modern poker: smart, bold, and unafraid to stand out.
Whether you’re chasing your own poker dreams or looking for top-tier live action in NYC, one thing is clear — the cards are always in the air somewhere, and the next big story is just one shuffle away.
2025 World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | 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 |
