Playstudios is running its second myVIP World Tournament of Slots at Atlantis Paradise Island this week. The operator brought 500 players to the Bahamas resort for the five-day competition running October 22-26. All participants earned their spots through the company’s social casino platforms during summer qualification rounds.
The field includes players from across Playstudios’ portfolio of social casino games. Poker Hall-of-Famer Michael Mizrachi will attend the event to interact with competitors. Actresses Jenny McCarthy and Heather Dubrow are also scheduled to appear throughout the tournament week.
David Pascal, Playstudios’ Head of Corporate Marketing, emphasised the competitive atmosphere. “This year’s WTOS promises to be our most incredible event yet,” Pascal said. “The spirit, excitement and competitive camaraderie of our players make this tournament truly unforgettable.”
Why Playstudios Returns to Paradise Island
The company held its first World Tournament of Slots at the same Bahamas location last year. That inaugural event, announced in June 2024, established the template for this year’s competition format.
Playstudios uses these tournaments to reward high-engagement players from its social casino properties. The $1m grand prize represents significant value compared to typical social casino rewards programs. Most social platforms offer virtual currency or small retail prizes rather than substantial cash competitions.
The event also serves marketing purposes. Celebrity appearances and the luxury resort setting generate attention for Playstudios’ social casino brands. Players who didn’t qualify can see what top performers earn through sustained platform engagement.
What the Numbers Show About Playstudios
The tournament comes as Playstudios faces revenue challenges. The company reported Q2 2025 results in August, showing an 18.3% revenue decline year-over-year to $59.3m.
Net losses reached $2.9m for the quarter. Consolidated AEBITDA dropped 24.2% to $10.7m. Despite these decreases, Playstudios maintained its full-year guidance projecting revenue between $250m and $270m with AEBITDA of $45m to $55m.
Current quarterly performance suggests the company isn’t tracking toward those targets. But management hasn’t revised projections based on first-half results.
How This Fits Playstudios’ Player Retention Strategy
Major tournaments create aspirational goals for social casino users. Players see competitors winning substantial prizes and increase their own platform engagement, hoping to qualify next year.
The five-day format with celebrity appearances and resort amenities elevates the experience beyond typical online competitions. Participants share experiences across social media, generating organic promotion for Playstudios properties.
Other social casino operators have taken note. Several competitors now run similar qualification-based tournaments, though most offer smaller prize pools. Playstudios’ willingness to award seven-figure prizes sets it apart in the social casino space.
The company needs strong player retention as revenue declines continue. These high-profile events help maintain user engagement during challenging financial periods.
