The Power of Play: A New Chapter in Solitaire’s Legacy
In a move that’s sure to spark debate, Stephen A. Smith, the renowned media personality, has joined forces with Papaya, a leader in skill-based mobile gaming, as the official ambassador for the inaugural World Solitaire Championship. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Smith’s involvement stems from a viral moment during the 2025 NBA Finals, where he was spotted enjoying a game of Solitaire on his phone. Now, he’s taking his passion to the next level.
The Rise of Solitaire as a Competitive Sport
Papaya, with its innovative approach to mobile gaming, is transforming Solitaire into a global competition. The World Solitaire Championship aims to showcase Solitaire as a skill-based game for adults, offering prizes, recognition, and an exclusive weekend experience at Temple House Miami. Stephen A. Smith, known for his larger-than-life presence and unmatched passion, will help bring attention to this unique event.
A Partnership Built on Play
Uri Pearl, VP of Marketing at Papaya, explains the choice of Smith as ambassador: “When Stephen was caught playing Solitaire during the NBA Finals, we saw it as more than just a viral moment. It symbolized the timeless appeal of Solitaire and its potential as a competitive sport. Stephen embodies the spirit of our championship, celebrating play, competition, and personality.”
The Campaign: A Fusion of AI and Talent
To promote the World Solitaire Championship, Papaya has launched an AI-driven online campaign, featuring Stephen A. Smith as the ambassador. This campaign, produced by cutting-edge advertising tools, is a collaboration between Ariely Original, The Artery, and Too Short for Modeling. It showcases how generative AI and real talent can create authentic and captivating stories.
Papaya’s Vision: Redefining Casual Gaming
At its core, Papaya’s mission is to champion the power of play for adults. Solitaire Cash, one of their flagship games, has created a fair and skill-based community where millions compete daily. With Smith’s involvement, Papaya aims to reach an even broader audience, showcasing the potential of competitive casual gaming.
About Papaya
Papaya, formerly known as Papaya Gaming, is at the forefront of mobile gaming innovation. With over 60 million downloads worldwide, they specialize in transforming casual games into skill-based tournaments with real-money rewards. Their popular titles include Solitaire Cash, Bingo Cash, and Bubble Cash, hosting hundreds of millions of daily social competitions.
Stephen A. Smith: A Media Icon
Stephen A. Smith is a household name in sports and media, known for his insightful commentary and charismatic presence. As the host and executive producer of ESPN’s First Take, he has defined sports commentary. Additionally, he hosts The Stephen A. Smith Show and Straight Shooter, exploring sports, politics, and culture. His memoir, Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, became a New York Times bestseller, offering a glimpse into his journey.
Contacts
For more information on Papaya and the World Solitaire Championship, visit Papaya Website and Championship Page.
For inquiries regarding Stephen A. Smith, please contact his representatives at Envisionary and WME: Email
SOURCE: Papaya