Stephen A. Smith is stepping into a new arena, joining forces with mobile gaming company Papaya as the official ambassador for the inaugural World Solitaire Championship, set to take place in Florida.
After being seen on camera playing Solitaire during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between Oklahoma City and Indiana, the longtime sports commentator caught the attention of Papaya. Now they’ve locked in Smith as the ambassador for what they’re calling the first global competition dedicated to the beloved card game. The event is set for February 2026 in Miami at the Temple House, and Papaya is promising a high-stakes weekend of prizes, prestige, and serious gameplay.
“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.”
Papaya’s marketing VP Uri Pearl doubled down on the logic: “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… Choosing him as our ambassador felt completely natural.”
To push the promo, Papaya is teaming up with Ariely Original, The Artery, and Too Short for Modeling to roll out an AI-driven campaign.
