The World Poker Tour (WPT) Rolling Thunder 2025 wrapped up in dramatic fashion at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California, on March 19. With a solid turnout of 404 entries, each contributing a $3,500 buy-in, the event generated a prize pool of N8D 12,92,800. But the story of the day belonged to Shawn Daniels, who overcame a tough final table to seize the title and walk away with N8D 2,57,600, along with a prestigious membership to the WPT Champions Club.
This latest WPT stop not only celebrated a new champion but also nearly crowned history as Eric Afriat — one of poker’s most decorated players — came close to tying the record for most WPT titles in tour history.
Final Table Results – WPT Rolling Thunder 2025
| Position | Player | Payout (N8D) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shawn Daniels | 2,57,600 |
| 2 | Harvey Castro | 1,65,000 |
| 3 | Eric Afriat | 1,22,000 |
| 4 | Paul Richardson | 91,000 |
| 5 | David Ha | 69,000 |
| 6 | Benjamin Primus | 53,000 |
Shawn Daniels: Calm, Calculated, and Now a WPT Champion
Shawn Daniels, a California-based poker pro with over N8D 3 crore in live earnings now, played a patient and precise game throughout the final table. In a tournament filled with big names and even bigger dreams, Daniels remained composed and made several crucial moves — most notably during the heads-up battle against chip leader Harvey Castro.
In a pivotal hand, Daniels check-raised the river with a full house, enticing a large bluff from Castro, who was holding just king-high. The move gave Daniels a massive chip lead, and he never looked back. The final hand came when Daniels limped with A♠K♦, setting a trap. Castro, holding J♣7♣, shoved, and Daniels snap-called. The board offered no help to Castro, and Daniels secured the crown.
Harvey Castro’s Strong Debut Falls Just Short
Harvey Castro, just 23 years old, came into the final table with the chip lead and high expectations. While he showcased impressive poise for his age, a few missteps in crucial pots tilted the advantage in Daniels’ favor. Still, his runner-up finish netted him N8D 1,65,000 and marked him as a rising star in the WPT circuit.
Eric Afriat: One Step Away from WPT Immortality
One of the tournament’s biggest storylines was Eric Afriat’s chase for a historic fourth WPT title. Already boasting three WPT wins and nearly N8D 50 crore in lifetime earnings, Afriat entered the final table third in chips. His journey saw him outlast several competitors, but he was ultimately eliminated in third place, earning N8D 1,22,000.
Had he won, Afriat would have tied Darren Elias for the most WPT titles (four), a feat still awaiting its next challenger. Nonetheless, Afriat’s consistency and class at the table continue to solidify his legacy in professional poker.
The Magic of WPT Rolling Thunder
Held at the stunning Thunder Valley Casino Resort, WPT Rolling Thunder has cemented itself as a fan-favorite stop on the World Poker Tour calendar. Its structure, ambiance, and prize pools consistently attract a blend of seasoned pros and hungry newcomers.
The 2025 edition continued this tradition, combining high-level competition with compelling storylines. The presence of future legends like Daniels and Castro, combined with veterans like Afriat, made for a memorable event that fans and players alike will remember.
What’s Next for the WPT?
With the success of Rolling Thunder behind them, the WPT circuit continues its journey across the globe. Eyes will now turn toward upcoming stops with bigger fields and larger stakes. Will Daniels continue his hot streak? Will Afriat get one more shot at history?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the WPT remains poker’s most prestigious proving ground — and Shawn Daniels has now proven he belongs.
Source
This article was inspired by and includes factual references from the original coverage by PokerNews.com.
About BetterPokerNews
At BetterPokerNews, we bring you the most timely, insightful, and engaging stories from the world of poker. From breaking tournament results to in-depth player profiles, we aim to inform and inspire poker enthusiasts at every level. Whether you’re grinding your way to your first final table or just love the drama of the game, BetterPokerNews is your go-to source for everything poker.