The first WSOP Circuit ring and a prize of $172,325. Manjunath Mulinti played his way to becoming the WSOPC Main Event champion at Thunder Valley Casino.
The World Series of Poker Circuit was in California, drawing players to Lincoln with 16 golden rings. The $1,700 Main Event offered two starting days. It drew 599 entries, so $907,485 in prize money was shared among 90 players.
After a combined Day 2, nine players had qualified for the Final Table. JC Tran was among the finalists. But for the poker pro, another title wasn’t to be. With 
against the queens of Henry Acain, the two‑time bracelet winner was eliminated in 8th place ($16,730).
In heads‑up, Manjunath Mulinti ($172,325) and Jesse Stephens ($114,660) faced each other. On the final hand, Stephens shoved all‑in with 
on the turn 
. Mulinti called with 
for top pair, and the river changed nothing.
2026 World Series of Poker – WSOPC California
Date: September 24 to October 5
Location: Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Lincoln
Events: 16 Ring Events + Side Events
Buy-Ins: $400 to $3,300
Main Event
Buy-In: $1,700
Entries: 599
Prize money: $907,485
ITM: 90
Final Table Payouts
1st: Manjunath Mulinti (USA), $172,325
2nd: Jesse Stephens (USA), $114,660
3rd: Jonathan Wang (USA), $79,490
4th: Dawson Dvorak (USA), $56,090
5th: Henry Acain (USA), $40,310
6th: Andrew Nguyen (USA), $29,510
7th: Bin Duan (USA), $22,010
8th: JC Tran (USA), $16,730
9th: Matthew Kramer (USA), $12,970