By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix gamer turned a pandemic pastime into a $50,000 prize after placing fourth at the Candy Crush All-Star Finals in London.
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Cole Herbst said he qualified for the international mobile gaming tournament after rediscovering the game while recovering from COVID-19.
“I came back from vacation with a friend and it was around COVID time,” Herbst said. “I contracted COVID, so I was out for the count, just killing time on my couch.”
Herbst said he downloaded Candy Crush and started working his way through levels, which consist of matching candies, earning power-ups and racking up points.
Before he knew it, he found himself competing in the game’s All-Star tournament, where players compete through six qualifying rounds before the top 10 advance to the live finals.
Herbst’s first finals appearance took him to London, where he earned $50,000 for finishing fourth.
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“I think it’s just one of those games that kind of clicks with you and then just investing the time,” Herbst said. “I enjoy the strategy aspect of the game too, so it just kind of came naturally to me.”
Herbst said competing at that level takes more than casual play. During tournament season, he spends hours each day practicing to stay sharp.
“Around tournament time, it’s an everyday thing. I’m playing hours a day,” he said. “It takes a level of commitment. You have to really love the game to make it to the final.”
Herbst said he plans to compete again next year.
“I haven’t won yet, so I’m going to keep coming until I win,” he said.
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