The California resident has earned his second WSOPC ring after dominating the tourney
Germany’s Rayo Kniep captured the 2025 World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Thunder Valley Main Event title, taking home $185,458 and his second career WSOPC gold ring. Now based in Northern California, Kniep dominated from start to finish, ending each day as chip leader before eventually claiming every chip in play. The victory pushed his total live earnings to more than $1.6 million, further establishing him as a rising force on the circuit.
The $1,700 buy-in event attracted 646 entries across three starting flights, generating a $1 million guaranteed prize pool. The top 98 players reached the money, and by the time the final table was set, Kniep’s aggressive style had already built a commanding stack. His early elimination of Tony Swift in ninth place for $13,962 set the tone for what became a smooth run to victory.
Kniep kept control as the table thinned. Derric Haynie exited in eighth for $18,013, followed by Scott Stewart, who collected $23,696 after losing a key pot to Kniep. The German continued his hot streak, knocking out Sarkis Khachatryan in sixth ($31,776) and Zichuan Huang in fifth ($43,421). Chris Elkins then fell in fourth for $60,439 before Kniep sent Jennifer Molan out in third, earning her $85,666.
The heads-up battle between Kniep and Ben Primus started with Kniep holding a 2:1 chip advantage. The decisive hand came early when Primus flopped two pair with 10♣6♠, but Kniep’s pocket aces held strong after the board paired on the river, giving him the better two pair and the title. Primus earned $123,603 for his runner-up finish, pushing his career earnings past $500,000.
Reflecting on his win, Kniep credited good fortune and preparation, joking that he had brought his bright-colored hat “just in case” he won. His commanding performance at Thunder Valley was a reminder that confidence, timing, and a touch of luck can make all the difference in tournament poker.
