Sims kneeling to pray, a tradition he performed before every round of the game. Submitted photos

A Jamestown native recently took home the silver prize in the hit Amazon Prime Video show Beast Games, created by online influencer Mr. Beast.

After struggling with coming so close yet falling short, contestant Cory Sims turned to faith and family to push through the difficulties. Now, Sims has documented the unique experience in a book, which tells everything from Sims finding the show to finding his purpose following a narrow loss.

Sims stated that the inspiration to begin writing came one day while lying in bed about a month after the competition concluded. During this time, Sims said that he felt a sort of spiritual push to begin writing about this experience, and the feelings afterward. While not understanding the purpose of writing this book initially, Sims stated that he persisted due to the trust in God’s guidance. As Sims continued to write, the constant reflections began to help him process the difficult emotions being felt at the time.

“You wonder why it all happened the way it did, why I got so close and then didn’t end up winning. And through the writing process the Lord pretty much revealed everything was according to his plan. He allowed me to lose in order to help me inspire other people, to help me to go to other people and help inspire them with their faith,” said Sims. “[I] have this amazing message that even though we all go through difficult times, we go through trials, we go through tribulations, in the end God is always faithful.”

Sims stated that ‘What Five Million Can’t Buy: Faith, Integrity, and the True Definition of Winning’ begins by telling the story of finding the show through his sons and going on to become dedicated to getting into the second season. Sims stated that, after detailing the various challenges throughout the games, the book will give a look into the process as a whole. This will include discussing behind the scenes and everything that goes into the productions of the show.

Cory Sims, a Jamestown native, holds his new book, What Five Million Can’t Buy: Faith, Integrity, and the True Definition of Winning. Submitted photos

“A lot of my faith is written inside of the book as well, kind of describing my personal battles in the game, my wins inside the game, just his amazing love and mercy with me the entire time,” said Sims. “It describes the whole process of me making it all the way to the end and then not winning, and then also kind of that whole process of coming and adjusting after being in a situation like that for so long, 32 days.”

The book ends with ten principles, derived from the game, that will offer guidance for navigating life. Additionally, the principles will discuss ways to overcome adversities, and hope to help readers find a greater sense of support.

This summer, Sims will be traveling around on a promotional tour for the book, hitting 21 major cities across the United States. Sims stated that admission to any of these events will be free, having noted that it is better just to see people wanting to be involved. Not only will Sims attempt to pass along some of the guidance and inspiration found throughout this journey, but Sims also plans to discuss the healing power of faith in this experience. The list of tour locations is not yet available but will be posted to the author website when released, said Sims.

The book is currently for sale online through Amazon, with Sims having stated that the book will soon be coming to Barnes & Noble and other bookstores. For more information visit coreysims.org.

Cory Sims in the final round of Beast Games.