For the first time ever, Solitaire is stepping onto the global stage with the launch of the World Solitaire Championship, set to take place in Miami from 20–22 February 2026. Hosted by mobile developer Papaya through its hit game Solitaire Cash, the tournament will gather 400 of the best players from around the world for three days of high-stakes competition, community, and celebration.

The Tournament

The inaugural championship will be staged at Temple House, one of Miami’s premier event venues. Finalists will be competing for a share of the $300,000 prize pool, with the winner claiming $150,000 and the honour of being crowned the first ever World Solitaire Champion.

Papaya is working with Estars Studios and Executive Producer David Lee to bring the event to life, promising a polished production worthy of esports’ biggest stages.

Road to Miami

Getting to Miami isn’t just for seasoned pros. Anyone can qualify through the Solitaire Cash app, provided they are over 18 and have reached level 8 or higher.

Image Credit: Papaya

From 3–23 November 2025, players can join daily qualification tournaments in the app. Each day’s winners will secure an all-inclusive trip to Miami, including their seat at the championship. If you miss out, you can try again the next day for another shot.

Every finalist will receive a fully paid weekend at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel, complete with hospitality, entertainment, and exclusive fan experiences alongside fellow competitors.

Solitaire as a Global Competition

For decades, Solitaire has been a staple of casual gaming, played everywhere from family living rooms to office PCs. Papaya has reimagined it as a competitive, skill-based experience, pairing players of similar ability for fair and thrilling matches. Solitaire Cash is currently ranked fifth on the Apple Store’s Casino charts and has helped build Papaya’s community of over 37 million downloads worldwide.

The World Solitaire Championship continues this evolution, transforming the timeless solo pastime into a social, world-class tournament.

Papaya’s Vision

Oriel Bachar, Co-Founder and CEO of Papaya, explained the thinking behind the championship:

“We believe play has the power to create meaningful connections that go far beyond the screen. Our vision 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.”

What’s at Stake

• $300,000 prize pool
• $150,000 grand prize for the champion
• 400 players from around the world
• All-inclusive trip to Miami and stay at Fontainebleau for finalists

With its debut on the world stage, Solitaire is about to make history. Whether you are a casual player or a long-time fan, this is your chance to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime tournament. The countdown begins now — who will be crowned the first World Solitaire Champion?

The post First Ever World Solitaire Championship Announced for Miami 2026 with $300,000 Prize Pool appeared first on Shane the Gamer.