The event was hosted by Brie Garcia, who described the finalists as “athletes” and expressed her excitement to be in the presence of greatness. Parker Chin, the ultimate champion, shared that he started competing while recovering from surgery, which allowed him time to strategize and plan his moves. He described the experience as unforgettable and emphasized the bonds he formed with fellow Candy Crush enthusiasts.
The tournament not only showcased the talent of these players but also highlighted the immense popularity of the Candy Crush franchise. Luken Aragon, the head of marketing at King, revealed that the franchise has generated over $20 billion in revenue and has been downloaded more than five billion times. Candy Crush Saga alone boasts over 16,000 levels and has a monthly user base of over 200 million.
Aragon explained that the All Stars tournament was created in response to player feedback. Many players expressed a desire for a more competitive experience, and King sought to provide that through All Stars. The tournament has evolved over the years, with last year being the first introduction of a live final and a prize pool. Aragon emphasized that while Candy Crush All Stars may not fit the traditional definition of esports, it brings a competitive element to the casual mobile gaming space.
The event in Los Angeles aimed to capture the intensity and passion often associated with esports events. While there were no live spectators, the experience for the players mirrored that of traditional esports events. Aragon expressed pride in being able to provide a unique and exciting experience for Candy Crush players who may not have considered themselves esports fans.
Looking to the future, Aragon acknowledged that King is open to exploring new opportunities and evolving the All Stars tournament. While he couldn’t say for certain if Candy Crush would become part of a larger multi-game competition, he emphasized the company’s commitment to listening to player feedback and creating experiences that satisfy their desires.
Overall, the Candy Crush Saga All Stars tournament showcased the skill and dedication of its players while demonstrating the immense popularity of the franchise. The event also highlighted King’s commitment to innovation and providing enjoyable experiences for its players.
