Chris ‘PapaSmithy’ Smith Joins FlyQuest

In November 2022, the North American esports organization FlyQuest announced the appointment of Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith as its new president and chief gaming officer. Smith, a prominent figure in the industry known for his tenure as a League of Legends caster and his previous role as general manager for 100 Thieves, joins the organization during a period of significant structural transition.

The leadership change follows the departure of former CEO Tricia Sugita and the subsequent acquisition of FlyQuest by the Viola family, owners of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment, in September 2022. Smith will work alongside Michael Choi, who assumed the top leadership position earlier that year. This executive shift reflects the organization’s ongoing efforts to stabilize and evolve its operations under new ownership.

In his capacity as president and chief gaming officer, Smith is tasked with overseeing competitive performance and team development across FlyQuest’s various rosters, which include the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), Academy, and Super Smash Bros. divisions. Beyond competitive management, his mandate includes contributing to broader business strategy, identifying new content opportunities, and enhancing fan engagement initiatives. This appointment underscores FlyQuest’s strategic focus on integrating high-level industry expertise to drive both its competitive success and commercial growth.