Media personality Stephen A. Smith has been announced as the ambassador for the first-ever World Solitaire Championship (WSC), set to culminate in February 2026 in Miami.
The partnership follows a viral moment in June 2025 when Smith was spotted playing solitaire during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, highlighting his passion for the game. Now, he is helping to elevate Solitaire as a skill-based competition and cultural event.
The WSC, organized by Papaya — a leader in skill-based mobile games — transforms solitaire into a global tournament where players compete for prizes and a weekend at Miami’s Temple House.
Smith shared his enthusiasm, emphasizing how the game’s timeless appeal and competitive spirit align with the event’s goals. Papaya is launching a major online campaign featuring AI-driven storytelling with Smith at the forefront.
This partnership reinforces Papaya’s mission to promote the skill and culture of casual gaming for adults worldwide.
For more information, visit: https://www.papaya.com/, https://www.papaya.com/world-solitaire-championship