Thousands of Survivor fans lined up outside Asbury Park’s Convention Hall on Saturday morning for the Survivor 50 Challenge, a nationwide hunt offering participants a chance to attend the live season finale in Los Angeles.

The challenge kicked off online Wednesday, with New Jersey fans following clues that led them to the boardwalk. Participants who find a hidden immunity idol in each state will earn an invitation, along with a guest, to the Survivor 50 live finale.

Fans of all ages traveled from across New Jersey and beyond, with some arriving hours early and others flying in from out of state. Former Survivor castaways, including Cirie Fields and Tony Vlachos, were on hand to meet fans and cheer on the search.

“I’ve been watching Survivor since I was a kid,” said fan Sam. “Being able to be part of this event is amazing.”

Some fans said the challenge was worth rearranging Valentine’s Day plans. “Left my boyfriend at home, it’s Valentine’s Day, but this is more important,” one fan said. Another added, “We flew from Texas to meet Cirie and try to get the idol. This is our Valentine’s Day this year.”

Fields said she was touched by the dedication. “Humbled and flattered that they would buy a ticket and fly from Texas just to meet me,” she said. “That’s the love you get from Survivor fans, and that’s why I love Survivor.”

The Survivor 50 Challenge continues across the country in the coming weeks. Fans who find hidden immunity idols in their state will earn a spot at the live season finale. Survivor 50 premieres Feb. 25 on CBS and streaming on Paramount.