Andreas Kniep Wins Second WSOPC Ring at Thunder Valley

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Andreas Kniep Wins Second WSOPC Ring at Thunder Valley

Andreas “Rayo” Kniep captured his second WSOP Circuit ring and $185,458 after winning the $1,700 Main Event at WSOPC Thunder Valley. 

The California-based pro defeated Benjamin Primus heads-up to close out an event that drew 646 entries. 

Kniep’s performance was dominant from start to finish. He held the chip lead at the end of every day of play and never lost control of the final table.

In the decisive hand, Kniep’s A♦A♣ outlasted Primus’ 10♣6♠ on a board of J♥10♠5♠6♦J♣. The river paired the board, giving Kniep two pair (aces and jacks) to seal the victory. 

His triumph also earned him 840 POY points, while Primus took home $123,603 and 700 points for second place.

Final Table Drama and Key Eliminations

The final table began with Andreas “Rayo” Kniep holding a commanding chip lead. He kept steady pressure on his opponents, dictating every stage of play until only two remained.

9th: Anthony Swift ($13,962)

Swift was the first to fall when his short stack met Kniep’s strong hand. The early knockout gave Kniep even more momentum.

8th: Derric Haynie ($18,013)

Next, Derric Haynie was eliminated after his pair couldn’t stand against Kniep’s top pair.

7th: Scott Stewart ($23,696)

Veteran Scott Stewart exited in seventh when his suited connectors ran into Kniep’s pocket tens.

6th: Sarkis Khachatryan ($31,776)

Sarkis Khachatryan followed after calling down with top pair against Kniep’s overpair.

5th: Zichuan Huang ($43,421)

With five left, Zichuan Huang moved all in preflop but ran into Kniep’s pocket kings, which held strong.

4th: Chris Elkins ($60,439)

Chris Elkins exited next when his ace-ten failed to improve against Kniep’s pocket jacks.

3rd: Jennifer Molan ($85,666)

Finally, Jennifer Molan moved all in with ace-queen suited but lost a race to Kniep’s pocket nines. That hand cleared the path for the heads-up duel.

Heads-Up: Kniep vs. Primus

Kniep began with a two-to-one chip advantage over Benjamin Primus, who was seeking his second Circuit ring. The final hand ended quickly – Kniep’s pocket aces held firm, clinching the title and a career-defining victory.

Andreas Kniep: History Playing Poker and WSOP Circuit Experience

Kniep is no stranger to success on the WSOP Circuit. Before this win, he had already earned one ring at WSOPC Graton in a $600 No-Limit Hold’em event for $15,907. He also has several near-misses in Circuit Main Events, including multiple runner-up finishes.

His biggest prior score came in the 2023 WSOP Millionaire Maker, where he finished fourth for over $500,000. He also placed 18th in the 2021 WSOP Main Event for $305,000. 

This Thunder Valley victory, at what he calls his “home casino,” marks a defining moment. For regulars on US online poker sites and live events alike, Andreas Kniep’s name now stands firmly among the elite players on the WSOP Circuit.