The Sweet 16 Tournament Series at Thunder Valley Casino Resort concluded last month and was a tremendous success. With a $270,000 prize pool at the Main Event, the Poker Room at Thunder Valley continues to establish itself as a premier poker destination.
The series attracted players from all over California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and even Australia. Play at the final table lasted seven hours, with more than 1,000 viewers watching on the Poker Room’s exclusive blog — http://pokerroom. thundervalleyresort.com. Nearly 200 of those viewers were in Australia cheering on Sam Rotar of Melbourne as he finished in second place, winning over $42,000. William Chao of San Pablo emerged victorious, earning himself $71,550 shortly after he went all in making a straight against the pocket aces of Rotar.
“The Sweet 16 offered a diverse combination of events and structures,” said Ben Erwin, poker room director at Thunder Valley. “Our goal has always been to listen to the players that attend our tournaments in an effort to offer events that no one else in the region can match, and based on the response, the Sweet 16 definitely delivered. Thank you to everyone who traveled to town for the event and congratulations to William Chao for outlasting the many skilled players this event attracted.”
After the success of last year’s WSOP satellite events where Thunder Valley gave away four WSOP seats, the Poker Room at Thunder Valley is “upping the ante” this year and giving away five seats to the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas. Players who attain 100 hours of play on their Thunder Club cards in the Poker Room between April 1 and May 28 are eligible to participate in one of the WSOP Satellites. Guests that attain 175 hours earn entry in both of the satellite events. Over $80,000 in cash will be awarded to 70 winners. The first satellite event for players with a minimum of 100 hours of play will offer two winners entry into the WSOP Main Event and $2,500 spending cash. The second satellite event for players with 175 hours of poker play will offer three seats at the WSOP Main Event along with the cash.
This year marks the 10th Anniversary for Thunder Valley Casino Resort, and the Poker Room is celebrating in a big way. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from May 1 until August 30 (and doubled on June 9 and 10 during the casino’s big anniversary celebration) players can win $100 to $300 throughout the night for making qualifying hands in Hold’em and Omaha. Both cards in the player’s hands must be used to qualify.
Finally, back by popular demand Thunder Valley is bringing back the Four of a Kind Progressive Pay Day. Each Tuesday and Thursday guests can win up to $800 for making a lucky four of a kind. The payouts are doubled during certain hours throughout the day and are extended randomly throughout the promotion. Check the poker room blog for details and when to expect extended hours.
Thunder Valley Casino Resort is located just off I-80 in Lincoln at the Highway 65 exit. For more information about the casino and specifics regarding upcoming poker tournaments, please visit their website at www.thundervalleyresort.com or call 916-408-7777 ext. 8910.
