Ewan is Deputy Editor for ScreenRant's gaming section and former Editor of GAMINGbible
The first-ever World Solitaire Championship is bringing the best players across the globe to Miami, FL, later this week to compete in Papaya's epic in-person event. Up for grabs is a whopping $300,000 in prizes.
While solitaire may be one of the most widely played online games ever, it's typically a solo pastime for casual, quick play. This Championship re-imagines the format in a way that aims to celebrate the community, not just cards on a screen–LAN party-style. These top players share focus, discipline, and love of the timeless card game. Enough love of the game, not to mention skill, to travel from across the world to compete for a $150,000 grand prize, awarded to the top player. At its core, the World Solitaire Championship represents the power of play. Solidifying that this is not just about entertainment but about forming genuine human connections, turning individual play into a collective experience, in a bound competition where skill actually matters. Rebecca Harig, 42, a stay-at-home mom from Salt Lake City, Utah, is heading to South Florida with hopes of testing her skills against top competitors in a live setting. “My husband doesn’t always love my Solitaire habit,” she laughs.For Rebecca, the Championship represents an opportunity to step out of her daily routine and bring a personal passion onto a much larger stage. Angela Lemke, 43, spends her days caring for others as a licensed practical nurse from Gloucester, Virginia. Now, she’s stepping into a competitive arena that’s entirely her own. “I’m used to supporting everyone else,” Angela says. "This championship represents community play in its truest form, where one person’s win can support many more." For Angela, the Championship is about how showing up fully for something you care about can inspire the people around you. Tagaloa Tapusoa, a 29-year-old film student at Utah Tech, grew up playing solitaire with his mother. He says this fun daily hobby later became something much bigger. Tagaloa qualified for the World Solitaire Championship via the Solitaire Cash app after returning to the game competitively in recent years, reconnecting with a piece of his childhood. “The championship represents growth," Tagaloa says."I'm taking something familiar, and I'm elevating it into something bigger.” The World Solitaire Championship may crown a winner from hundreds of players, but the significance of the moment extends far beyond the final hand. As each qualifier arrives in Miami with a different story behind their participation, they all share something special: the chance to see a solitary ritual become a shared experience. For Rebecca, Angela, Tagaloa, and hundreds of others, the World Solitaire Championship redefines what solitaire can be. For the first time, a game built for one is filling a room. It’s proof that a quiet, personal habit can open doors, spark friendships, and build unexpected community. As these competitors take their well-earned seats at the table, they’re not just playing for a title, they’re playing for the sake of play and the community that made this moment possible. Screen Rant Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters Dive into the world of movies and TV shows with Screen Rant, your source for news, reviews, and exclusive content. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. The World Solitaire Championship takes place in Miami on February 20-22, 2026.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
GQ Names Adam Baidawi Global Editorial DirectorThe Iraqi-Australian editor is succeeding Will Welch, effective immediately.
Read more »
Struggling Norwegian Cruise Line faces turnaround effort as activist investor reveals 10% stakeToday's Business Headlines: 02/16/26
Read more »
This Editor’s Choice Weekender Bag Will Solve Your Packing Woes Once and for AllPrice upon publish date of this article: $195
Read more »
Trump's Board of Peace to meet as Gaza truce faces challengesU.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is set to meet for the first time on Thursday in Washington. It's an early test of whether one of his marquee foreign policy initiatives can gain broad support or advance the shaky ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
Read more »
Overrated Movie Debate: Insights from a Senior Lifestyle EditorA BuzzFeed Senior Lifestyle Editor shares reader opinions on the most overrated movies, sparking debate and offering diverse perspectives on film classics.
Read more »
Letters to the Editor — Jesse Jackson, Stephen Colbert, hard conversations, OlympicsLetters to the Editor
Read more »