By Sean Chaffin
The World Poker Tour heads to the West Coast again March 7-10 for the WPT Rolling Thunder. The Thunder Valley Casino Resort in the Sacramento area once again plays host to this popular $5,000 buy-in event and there should be plenty of action.
The property offers plenty of fun for players hoping to keep the California poker vibes going after the L.A. Poker Classic. Last season, Erkut Yilmaz won his second title of Season XVII and took home $303,920 after also winning the WPT Borgata Poker Open earlier.
“I feel like I’m in a dream right now, it feels great,” he said after the victory. “I can’t believe it happened again, and so soon.”
This year promises another big payout and a chance for another player’s dream to come true by joining the WPT Champions Club. The property features a great stay and numerous entertainment options. The poker staff goes the extra mile in making the trip to northern California much more than just a poker stop.
“We put tremendous effort into our events,” Thunder Valley poker director Ben Erwin (pictured) says. “What makes us a favorite of so many players is our off the felt activities, doing something to show appreciation for being here, and the laughs that come from conversations throughout the day. We really enjoy the game here and I think players feel that when they visit.”
Players can expect a relaxed atmosphere with fun events planned especially for them. This year that includes a Top Golf excursion on March 7 and the WPT Champions Club dinner on March 8. The property is also offering a free night’s stay for those who also play in the WPT L.A. Poker Classic championship event.
At the tables, the elegant Thunder Valley poker room features 27 tables that can expand to 50 when major tournament series are underway. This year’s event features two starting flights and a live streamed final table. Players may also notice a few differences this year.
“Matt Savage and I have made some changes from last year,” Erwin says. “We are going to have one starting day on Saturday and making Friday a huge satellite day with forty $5,000 entries up for grabs in the WPT $1,000 Mega.”
Along with the WPT championship events, players will find a schedule of six interesting preliminary and side events running March 4-10. Some highlights include:
Event 1 (March 4-6) – The $1,100 WPT Opener features a nice $200,000 guarantee.
Event 2 (March 6) – Take part in Thunder Valley’s signature “One Day 100K.” Players can play for a $100,000 guarantee in this $1,100 preliminary event – all wrapped up in a single day.
Event 4 (March 8) – The $1,100 Knockout offers some bounty action with $500 per player eliminated.
Event 6 (March 10) – The $235 Series Finale offers a great way to close out the events, with a bargain buy-in and $10,000 guarantee.
Away from the tables, players are in luck with some excellent options at Thunder Valley. For a nice meal while at the property, Erwin recommends Red Lantern and High Steaks Steakhouse.
Red Lantern features a comfortable atmosphere and delectable Chinese cuisine. The High Steaks steakhouse offers exquisite steaks, chops, seafood, and tasty desserts. Other dining options include The Buffet, Thunder Cafe, and quick bite options like Fat Burger, Panda Express, Subway, and more.
Thunder Valley also offers plenty of bar and entertainment options including live entertainment and hosts regular national touring acts. Those looking for some relaxation can head to the spa for a nice massage. There are plenty of reasons to head to the WPT Rolling Thunder – and the poker should be pretty good too.
For a complete look at the WPT championship event, click here. For a complete schedule of events, including satellites, click here.
Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.