Stephen A. Smith Named Ambassador for World Solitaire Championship Amid Controversy

NEW YORK, NY – Stephen A. Smith, a prominent ESPN host, has been named the official ambassador for the inaugural World Solitaire Championship (WSC), which is set to take place in February 2026 in Miami. The championship aims to redefine the classic card game into a major global competition.

In a statement, Smith expressed his curiosity when he first learned about the WSC. “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,” he said.

The WSC is organized by Papaya, a mobile gaming company. The partnership reportedly began after Smith was seen playing solitaire on his phone during Game 4 of the NBA Finals in June, an incident that went viral online.

Uri Pearl, Vice President of Marketing at Papaya, commented, “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.” Pearl emphasized Smith’s embodiment of the WSC’s spirit, which focuses on the power of play.

The WSC represents the first-ever global competition for Solitaire, with players from around the world vying for a total prize pool of $300,000. The top 400 finalists will compete for the title of World Solitaire Champion and a grand prize of $150,000.

The event encourages solitaire enthusiasts to qualify now through the Solitaire Cash app until November 23. Smith’s ambassador role has garnered mixed reactions, especially given that Papaya is facing allegations regarding the authenticity of its gaming practices.

Critics are raising concerns about the potential for manipulation within Papaya’s mobile gaming framework. Some players have claimed that the games may be rigged through the use of bots posing as human competitors.

Mina Kimes, another ESPN personality, publicly apologized for promoting the app after receiving backlash. She admitted to not thoroughly researching the promotion before endorsing it.

Despite the controversy, Smith and other ESPN personalities have continued to promote the app, even as they face growing criticism from fans and industry observers alike.

The WSC is expected to draw significant attention in February as players and fans alike look forward to witnessing a new chapter in the legacy of Solitaire.