Carmelo Anthony has spent two decades mastering patience, discipline and timing—the same traits that now define his latest pursuit outside of basketball. Known for his prolific 19-year NBA career, 10 All-Star appearances, and his 2003 NCAA Championship with Syracuse, Anthony has evolved beyond the hardwood into a tastemaker and entrepreneur.
In 2025, Anthony entered the world of premium cigars with VERSA VII, a brand launched in partnership with Kingmakers Cigars. For the former New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets star, this wasn’t just a business move, it was a deeply personal project reflecting his philosophy on craft and intentional living.
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) sat down with Carmelo and Claudio Torres, co-founder and COO of Kingmakers, to discuss the journey from concept to creation and how VERSA VII embodies the same focus and artistry that defined Anthony’s basketball legacy.
PCA: What drew you to cigars in the first place?
Carmelo Anthony: Over time, cigars just became part of my lifestyle. The more I enjoyed them, the more curious I got about the whole world behind them—the craft, the different types, how they’re made. For me, it’s always been a ritual, not just a habit. I still remember my first premium cigar—not so much for the smoke, but for the moment it created. You light it up, lean back, and everything slows down. There’s this calm energy, this sense of being fully present. That’s what hooked me.
Was there a particular moment that inspired you to create your own cigar brand?
Anthony: I wouldn’t say it was one single moment. It was more a collection of them over time. Every chapter in my career taught me something about patience, craft and purpose, and those lessons led here. Everything I do now, I do with intention. I’m building things that speak to where I’m at today. Creating my own cigar wasn’t about starting a business. It was about creating something that reflects my evolution, something that’s part of the larger STAYME7O ecosystem.
Claudio, how did Kingmakers become involved in this project?
Claudio Torres: We connected with Carmelo early in the process. The project was built around his flavor profile and vision, blending a cigar that would pair beautifully with his wine, VII(N) The Seventh Estate. This was planned well before his Hall of Fame induction. Carmelo was the artist behind every detail, from the blend to the branding. We were the brushes; he was the canvas. Our job was to make sure his creative direction translated perfectly from concept to experience.
What challenges did you face bringing VERSA VII to market?
Torres: We dealt with everything from tariffs to supply chain delays. Ultimately, we pivoted to U.S.-based box production to ensure quality and consistency. The cigars themselves were crafted in Estelí, Nicaragua, with well-aged tobacco, so the challenge became finding the right partners and timing. Our focus was patience, releasing a cigar when it felt ready, not when the market demanded it.
How involved was Carmelo in the blending and branding process?
Torres: Entirely. We spent time together sampling tobaccos, balancing flavors, and refining the cigar’s structure. He noticed details like how the wrapper looked in natural light or how the draw felt. When it came to design, he already knew what he wanted—modern, but grounded in tradition. His direction guided every step. That’s why the blend feels so purposeful. Every note has intent.
Carmelo, what kind of cigar experience did you want VERSA VII to deliver?
Anthony: It had to feel authentic. I wanted a cigar with depth, one that evolves as you smoke it. You get that first hit of pepper and spice, then it opens into something smoother and richer. Construction was key. If a cigar isn’t built right, the flavor loses its impact. The roll, the burn, the draw, every detail matters. It was all about craftsmanship and putting quality over everything.
Did your experience as a world-class athlete shape your approach to cigar-making?
Anthony: Absolutely. Being an athlete teaches you discipline and patience. You learn to respect the process. Cigarmaking is the same. You can’t cheat time or rush quality. I had to learn and listen. The hardest part was stepping back and letting nature take over. Tobacco takes time, and that patience is what makes it special.
Claudio, what makes VERSA VII stand out?
Torres: It’s not about standing out. It’s about standing apart. From the beginning, this wasn’t a white-label or licensing project. VERSA VII reflects Carmelo’s taste and story. It’s a cigar built on meaning, not marketing. Every element—the blend, the design, the name—speaks to the philosophy of legacy and purpose.
Can you walk us through the blend?
Torres: The VERSA VII features a Habano 2000 wrapper over a Sumatra binder, with filler tobaccos from Condega and Pennsylvania (Viso), Jalapa (Seco), and Estelí (Ligero). It’s a medium- to full-bodied profile that evolves throughout the smoke. It starts with pepper and chili, transitions into notes of dark chocolate and molasses, and finishes with leather, earth and a touch of dried fruit and espresso. It’s complex but balanced, a cigar that rewards focus.
Are there plans for future VERSA releases?
Torres: VERSA will grow naturally. If the story continues, it’ll be because the next chapter deserves to exist, not because it’s time for another release. Everything we do moves with purpose.
Carmelo, who did you make this cigar for?
Anthony: VERSA VII is made for the doers and creators, the people building something meaningful, whether it’s a career, a vision or a legacy. It’s for those who appreciate quality, intention and story. This cigar isn’t meant to be rushed. It’s meant to be experienced.
How will Kingmakers and Carmelo promote VERSA VII?
Torres: This is Carmelo’s brand. We’re here to support his vision. Our approach is experiential—private events, curated activations, and partnerships that connect the cigar to the right people in the right settings. Carmelo’s reach helps introduce new audiences to premium cigars and expand the culture in a meaningful way.
Carmelo, what do you hope people feel the first time they light up VERSA VII?
Anthony: I want them to feel the intention behind it. It’s more than just a cigar—it’s an experience. With that first draw, everything slows down. You taste the spice, the smoothness, the depth, and you feel the care that went into it. It’s about balance: strength and calm, drive and peace.
Claudio, how can retailers bring VERSA VII to their stores?
Torres: Retailers can reach me directly at Claudio@kingmakersventures.com. We’re building partnerships through samples, training and activations. Kingmakers isn’t just selling cigars; we’re building experiences. With Carmelo’s influence, we’re helping bring new audiences into the premium cigar world and showing how this culture connects people across every background.
For Carmelo Anthony, the VERSA VII isn’t about celebrity branding. It’s about legacy. Like the quiet rhythm of a cigar burning in hand, his latest chapter unfolds with patience and precision. He’s no longer chasing points or championships. He’s crafting moments of reflection and connection.
In the end, VERSA VII represents what Carmelo Anthony has always stood for: excellence achieved through discipline, creativity and respect for the process. The game may have changed, but the drive remains the same.
– Photos courtesy of Kingmakers. Story by Antoine Reid, content director at Premium Cigar Association (PCA). You can reach him at antoine@premiumcigars.org.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 4, 2025. To receive a copy of this magazine, you must be a current PCA member. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.