FlyQuest reportedly brings in Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith as President and Chief Gaming Officer
FlyQuest, the League of Legends team, is making a change for the 2023 season by hiring a proven leader to guide them. Independent journalist Brieuc “Wooloo” Seeger reports that Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith will join FlyQuest as the organization’s president and chief gaming officer.
A new chapter for PapaSmithy
PapaSmithy recently entered free agency after three years as the general manager of 100 Thieves. His contract with the team expired at the end of the 2022 season. PapaSmithy stated that the vision they had in 2019 no longer aligned with the goals of 100 Thieves for 2023. Just yesterday, 100 Thieves also parted ways with head coach Bok “Reapered” Han-gyu.
Success with 100 Thieves
During PapaSmithy’s tenure as general manager, 100 Thieves consistently finished in the top four in all four LCS splits, securing two second-place finishes in 2022 and winning the LCS Summer Split championship in 2021. Although they reached the Worlds stage in both years, they were unable to progress past the group stage. PapaSmithy played a pivotal role in bringing together the talented trio of Closer, FBI, and huhi, propelling 100 Thieves to the top of the LCS.
A fresh start for FlyQuest
After leaving 100 Thieves, PapaSmithy expressed his desire to build something great in esports in 2023 and work with organizations focused on developing success through strong processes and culture. Now, he will have the opportunity to do so with FlyQuest, a team that has struggled over the past two years. In their most recent showing, FlyQuest finished eighth in the LCS after being eliminated early in the Summer Split playoffs.
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