Long Islander Jay Simunovich has a 45-minute commute to work on the Hempstead Line from Floral Park to Penn Station, but he wishes it were longer because he uses this time to play Candy Crush Saga. Simunovich is the reigning Candy Crush champion of the world after winning the 2023 Candy Crush All-Stars tournament and scoring $100,000. The game is a tile-matching puzzle game with a confectionary theme where players earn bonuses by matching candies.
The 2024 Candy Crush Saga tournament is currently underway, offering a grand prize of $1 million to the best player. Simunovich, who describes himself as a “Candy Crush veteran,” carefully chooses his seat on the train to ensure minimal distractions while playing the game. Despite getting lost in the Candy Kingdom and missing his stop a few times, he continues to play and improve his skills.
Simunovich had previously quit playing Candy Crush “cold turkey” after reaching level 5,000 out of a total of 16,000 levels. However, he returned to the game just in time to enter the 2023 Candy Crush All-Stars tournament. After competing against 20 million other players from around the world, Simunovich emerged victorious, winning $100,000 and a limited-edition championship ring.
With his share of the winnings, Simunovich indulged in a vacation to a music festival in California and treated his wife to a kitchen renovation. Despite the brief break, he is focused on preparing for the 2024 Candy Crush competition and hopes to win the grand prize of $1 million. Simunovich plans to use his potential winnings to send his children to college, a gesture he hopes they will appreciate and share with their friends.
Simunovich’s daughter, Sami, is proud of her father’s Candy Crush accomplishments and considers him the best father ever. She was thrilled to witness his victory in the 2023 tournament and continues to support him in his pursuit of the million-dollar prize. Simunovich’s dedication to Candy Crush not only brings him personal satisfaction but also creates a special bond with his daughter, who admires his skills and achievements. His love for the game and his success in the tournament have brought joy and excitement to his family and friends.
Overall, Jay Simunovich’s journey from a commuter playing Candy Crush to becoming the world champion of the game highlights the unexpected opportunities that can arise from pursuing one’s passions. His story serves as a reminder that dedication, perseverance, and a bit of luck can lead to incredible achievements and create memorable experiences for oneself and loved ones. Through his success in the Candy Crush tournament, Simunovich has not only won a substantial cash prize but also gained admiration and respect from his family, demonstrating the transformative power of a simple mobile game.
