From Screens to South Beach: World Solitaire Championship Debuts in Miami

Miami is about to make gaming history. This February, the World Solitaire Championship will officially debut in the Magic City, transforming one of the world’s most beloved card games into a global competition. What was once a solo pastime played in quiet moments is stepping into the spotlight as a thrilling, social, and skill-based championship, complete with prestige cutting-edge production, and $300,000 in total prizes. Organized by Papaya (formerly known as Papaya Gaming), a global leader in skill-based mobile gaming, the first-ever World Solitaire Championship marks a major cultural moment for both gaming and Miami’s ever-evolving e-sports scene. Known for its hit title Solitaire Cash, Papaya is bringing Solitaire back to center stage, this time with meaningful competition, real rewards, and a truly global audience.

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A Classic Game, Reimagined for the World Stage

For decades, Solitaire has quietly lived in office cubicles, living rooms, and mobile screens around the world. Papaya saw something bigger: a timeless game with untapped competitive potential. Through its skill-based gaming model, Papaya connects players with others of similar skill levels for more enjoyable and exciting gameplay.

That same philosophy fuels the World Solitaire Championship, turning a familiar game into a social, world-class competition. With over 37 million downloads and millions of daily competitions across titles like Solitaire Cash, Papaya has already proven that casual games can be elevated into elite experiences. 

Now, Miami gets to host the biggest evolution yet.

World Solitaire Championship Brings

Global Players to Miami

Set to take place in February 2026, the championship will be held at Temple House Miami, South Beach’s premier luxury event venue known for hosting high-profile cultural moments. Produced by Estars Studios and Executive Producer David Lee, the event promises immersive production, competitive drama, and unforgettable energy.

After more than 500,000 tournaments took place during the qualifiers stage, the competition will bring 400 finalists from around the world to Miami for an unforgettable weekend at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Think five-star accommodations, exclusive entertainment, and the kind of luxury experience Miami does best.

And the rewards? Real.

• $150,000 grand prize for the first-ever World Solitaire Champion

• $300,000 in total prizes

• Global recognition and bragging rights in gaming history

Miami finalists will compete not just for cash, but for prestige—and a permanent place in the future of competitive gaming.

More Than a Tournament—A Community Celebration

At its core, the World Solitaire Championship is about connection. Papaya’s mission centers on the power of play to bring people together, transforming everyday gaming into shared moments of social tournaments. 

Papaya believes play has the power to create meaningful connections that go far beyond the screen. The vision behind this tournament is to bring people together through competition, community, and shared experiences, and the World Solitaire Championship is another step in making that vision a reality. 

Throughout the weekend, players and fans will experience a blend of competition, celebration, and social interaction, proof that even the most classic games can thrive in a modern, connected world, especially when brilliant technology takes casual games and makes them a social tournament, bringing skills to the center stage and upgrading each player’s gaming experience.

Why Miami Is the Perfect Host City

With its global appeal, international culture, and reputation for hosting world-class events, Miami is the natural home for the inaugural World Solitaire Championship. From South Beach glamour to a thriving tech and gaming scene, the city offers the perfect backdrop for a competition

that blends nostalgia with innovation. 

As Miami continues to position itself as a hub for global entertainment, esports, and experiential events, the championship further cements the city’s role on the world stage.