WSOP Circuit Returns to Thunder Valley With Mix of Major Events and Satellites

Thunder Valley Casino Resort hosts the newest installment of the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) starting Thursday in Northern California. The tournament series again brings a deep lineup of events and satellites, highlighted by a $1,700 Main Event with a $500,000 guarantee and an emphasis on both established circuit classics and a healthy range of mixed games.

Main Event and Notable Highlights at Thunder Valley

The $1,700 Main Event remains the centrepiece of this WSOP Circuit stop, scheduled to run with a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool. Thunder Valley has a history of shattering guarantees at its Circuit Main Events. In January 2026, Jaime Haletky claimed the top prize of $205,460, while Rayo Kniep took the title in September 2025. Thunder Valley's consistent large fields have produced million-dollar prize pools several times over the past decade.

Beyond the Main Event, players will find a selection of series staples:

• $400 Mini Main Event with a $250,000 guarantee
• $400 Monster Stack carrying a $100,000 guarantee
• $400 Mirror Mystery Bounty, with bounty payouts mirroring regular tournament payouts

WSOP Circuit Mixed Games and Unique Offerings

Thunder Valley's WSOPC series stands out for its mixed-game options, maintaining its reputation for diversity in tournament selection. This year, the 16-ring-event schedule includes:

• $600 H.O.R.S.E.
• Omaha 8 or Better
• The only 2-7 Triple Draw ring event on the entire Circuit

Recreational and specialist players alike can compete in formats beyond standard no-limit hold’em, joining a trend towards varied structures in live tournament series.

Extensive WSOP Circuit Satellites at Thunder Valley

Thunder Valley is known for its player-friendly approach, offering step tournaments and a range of satellites feeding into the Main Event as well as other ring events. For as little as $120, participants can win seats to $400 and $600 buy-in tournaments or the Main Event itself. Detailed schedules and information for ongoing satellites and step qualifiers are available on the WSOP Live app, reflecting Thunder Valley’s focus on accessibility for all bankroll levels.

Thunder Valley’s Role on the Circuit: 10-Year WSOPC Anniversary

This stop marks the ten-year anniversary of the WSOP Circuit’s inclusion in Thunder Valley’s tournament schedule. Since the inaugural WSOPC Main Event in 2017—won by Nick Pupillo, who holds a WSOP bracelet and three Circuit rings—Thunder Valley Casino Resort has become a fixture for major poker tours in the United States. Nearly every leading tour has made regular stops in its poker room during almost 15 years of large-scale tournament offerings.

Over the past decade, champions like Jaime Haletky, Rayo Kniep, and Nick Pupillo have added their names to Thunder Valley's roll of honour. Last September, Kniep’s Main Event victory was marked by a now-iconic neon-themed celebration. Joey Wagyu, Thunder Valley ambassador, is confirmed for this year’s series.

Tournament Schedule and Key Dates

The new series at Thunder Valley Casino Resort launches Thursday, less than an hour from Sacramento and under two hours from San Francisco and the wine region. Main Event action begins Friday, October 2, with the final scheduled for Monday, October 5. Complete scheduling, structure sheets, and event details are available at WSOP.com and through the WSOP Live app.

Players can expect the standard of operations, facilities, and hospitality that has made Thunder Valley a recurring highlight of the WSOP Circuit calendar. For more information on major poker event coverage, see the events section or news from recent Circuit stops.