Carmelo Anthony Releases First Cigar: VЭRSA VII

Retired NBA legend Carmelo Anthony has stepped into the cigar world with the release of his debut blend, the VЭRSA VII. The cigar arrives later than expected but is now available exclusively through Kingmakers Cigars’ direct-to-consumer platform.

A Celebrity Partnership

Anthony partnered with Kingmakers Cigars, a company that has built a portfolio of celebrity-endorsed releases. Originally teased under the name VERSA with a reversed E, the cigar has since been rebranded as VЭRSA VII, a nod to Anthony’s iconic jersey number.

Details of the VЭRSA VII

The VЭRSA VII is presented in a 6 1/2 x 54 Gran Toro vitola. It features a Habano 2000 wrapper, paired with a Sumatra binder and fillers sourced from Nicaragua and Pennsylvania.

Kingmakers confirmed that production takes place in Nicaragua, though the company has not disclosed which factory is responsible for the blend.

The cigars are priced at $225 per box of 10. At this time, they are not available at retail shops and can only be purchased directly from Kingmakers.

Anthony on the Launch

In a press release, Anthony shared his excitement about the project:

“This has been a long time in the making, and I wanted every part of it to be done right. With everything I do, it’s about the work, the patience, and the attention to detail. VЭRSA VII is very personal to me—it’s about growth, reflection, and everything that’s shaped me.”

From Court to Cigars

Anthony’s career began with a national championship at Syracuse University, followed by a 19-year run in the NBAfrom 2003 to 2022. He became a 10-time NBA All-Star and earned a place on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest to play the game.

Now, Anthony is bringing the same dedication to his cigar project, hoping fans and cigar enthusiasts will connect with his debut release.