Copyright Variety
Mobile game company Papaya has set Stephen A. Smith as the official ambassador for the upcoming, first-ever “World Solitaire Championship” (WSC). The teamup comes on the heels of Smith being spotted playing solitaire on his phone during game 4 of the NBA finals, Oklahoma City vs the Indiana Pacers, in June 2025. Following that viral moment, Smith takes his passion for the game of solitaire one step further by partnering with Papaya for the first-ever World Solitaire Championship, scheduled to take place in Miami this coming February. Per Papaya, “The World Solitaire Championship is the first-ever global competition for Solitaire, transforming one of the world’s most iconic casual games into a thrilling cultural event. Players from around the world will compete for prizes, recognition, and a weekend experience at Temple House Miami, South Beach’s premier event venue.” “When I first heard about the World Solitaire Championship, I was intrigued,” Smith said. “They’re taking a classic game and turning it into something bigger, something that celebrates skill and competition, and that’s something I’m proud to be a part of.” “When Stephen A. Smith was caught playing Solitaire courtside during the NBA Finals, we knew right away that this was more than a viral moment; it was proof of how timeless and irresistible this game is,” Papaya vice president of marketing Uri Pearl said. “Stephen A. embodies the spirit of the World Solitaire Championship, which is about the Power of Play, competition, culture, and personality. Choosing him as our ambassador felt completely natural.” As part of the partnership with Smith, Papaya will be launching an AI-driven online campaign to promote the finals led by Ariely Original, a creative lab and advertising agency, in partnership with The Artery, a leading visual effects and creative studio, and Too Short for Modeling as writers and directors.
